Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in New Bedford, MA: $39.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in New Bedford, MA runs $39.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,764 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against New Bedford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,653 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In New Bedford, Massachusetts, elementary school teachers can expect an impressive hourly median rate of $39.79, significantly higher than the national median of $31.06. This rate reflects the local demand for educators in various settings, including K-12 classroom instruction, special education, and after-school programs. For part-time workers, such as those teaching three days a week, this hourly pay translates to earnings that can make a substantial difference in their yearly financial picture. Within the city, the hourly pay range starts at $30.79 for entry-level positions and can climb to $61.68 for top earners. These estimates are derived from projected annual salary data, showcasing the favorable earning environment for elementary school teachers in New Bedford.
About the New Bedford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.79 | $246.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.41 | $291.31 |
| Median (P50) | $39.79 | $318.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.34 | $402.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.68 | $493.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Bedford
Based on $39.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.79/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Bedford, MA can expect to earn approximately $82,755 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,743. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in New Bedford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Bedford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,591.44 | $6,896 | $82,755 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $954.87 | $4,138 | $49,653 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $636.58 | $2,759 | $33,102 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (New Bedford) | $39.79 |
| Middle School Teacher (National Avg) | $32.16 |
| High School Teacher (National Avg) | $33.55 |
| Preschool Teacher (National Avg) | $18.53 |
| Special Education Teacher (National Avg) | $32.74 |
Elementary School Teachers in New Bedford, MA earn a median of $82,764 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.12% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 0.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $82,189.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.79/hr = $49,653/year (purchasing power: $45,763).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,755/year (purchasing power: $76,272).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+5.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in New Bedford grew 3.6% from $38.04/hr (2019) to $39.40/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.18/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem elementary school teachers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Bedford metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 0.98% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Elementary School Teacher in New Bedford
The potential for part-time earning can be quite notable for a typical three-day-a-week schedule, which would amount to around 24 hours of work and yield significant annual income, contrasting sharply with full-time positions. For those seeking per diem roles, substitute teachers in New Bedford can earn between $100 and $200 per day, while long-term substitutes command rates of $140 to $250 daily. Furthermore, tutoring opportunities outside traditional classroom environments can offer $30 to $80 per hour. Hourly rates also vary by employer, with public school districts often adhering to a step-and-lane pay scale, while charter schools may offer different compensation structures. Some educators might opt for roles with lower hourly pay but comprehensive benefits, underlining the trade-offs they face. For teachers negotiating hourly pay, understanding local market rates and the benefits of positions can be key to securing fair compensation in New Bedford's diverse educational landscape.
More salary data for New Bedford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for elementary school teachers in New Bedford. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for New Bedford is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.98%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for elementary school teachers (SOC 25-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov