Elementary School Teacher Salary in Cambridge, MA: $96,656 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Cambridge, MA earns a median $96,656/year (≈ $46.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Cambridge's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $89,084 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 17.7% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for an elementary school teacher in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is $96,656, significantly exceeding the national median of $64,597. The salary range for this role demonstrates notable variation, spanning from $68,795 at the 10th percentile to as high as $149,817 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted to account for regional cost variations, reflecting Cambridge’s status as a high-cost-of-living (HCOL) area. With its step-and-lane salary structure, local teachers with advanced degrees such as a master’s or master’s +30 may find themselves positioned on the higher end of the pay scale, indicating a strong compensation framework that attracts and retains educational talent in the district.
About the Cambridge Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,795 | $33.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,917 | $40.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,656 | $46.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $123,490 | $59.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $149,817 | $72.03 |
Median Salary Position
49.63% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cambridge
In Cambridge, MA, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $81,022 (2026 est.). At $96,656, the local median is 49.63% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cambridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cambridge Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Cambridge median: $96,656/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cambridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $82,121 | +17.70% more |
| National Average | $64,597 | +49.63% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Cambridge, MA earn a median of $96,656 per year (2026 est.), which is 49.63% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 17.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $82,121.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cambridge has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cambridge, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $96,656 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $89,084 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$89,284
2025 BLS Actual
$95,718
2026 Current Est.
$96,656
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Cambridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,284 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,184 | Actual |
| 2021 | $91,873 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,306 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,284 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,132 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,718 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,656 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,603 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cambridge metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $89,284 (2019) to $95,718 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $97,603 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,319 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cambridge 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $68,795 – $83,917 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,917 – $96,656 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,656 – $123,490 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $123,490 – $149,817 |
Teacher salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual elementary school teacher compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Elementary School Teacher Job Market in Cambridge
The local job market for elementary school teachers in Cambridge consists of around 22 employed educators, which suggests a tight-knit community and a focused hiring environment. The cost-of-living index at 108.5 indicates that, while salaries may appear competitive, the purchasing power can be impacted, making take-home compensation a critical factor for living comfortably in the area. K-12 public school districts in Cambridge typically offer the most competitive salaries, but charter schools like KIPP may provide additional incentives for longer working hours or special education stipends that reflect shortage areas. Pay differentials often arise from various factors, including the district's step-and-lane pay scale, advanced degrees, stipends for specialized roles, and the overall HCOL district premium. For educators aiming to maximize their earnings in Cambridge, obtaining National Board Certification or exploring roles that accommodate summer school and after-school programs could provide valuable avenues for additional compensation.
More salary data for Cambridge, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $95,718 for elementary school teachersin the Cambridge metropolitan area. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cambridge 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