Elementary School Teacher Salary in Chelmsford, MA: $78,091 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Chelmsford, MA earns a median $78,091/year (≈ $37.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Chelmsford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $71,973 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Elementary school teachers in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $78,091 in 2026, reflecting a significant premium over the national median of $64,597. The salary range for educators in this district varies widely, with entry-level salaries starting at approximately $60,961 and experienced professionals earning up to $121,041. These figures are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, providing vital context for prospective educators evaluating their compensation. While local salaries are competitive, the presence of a step-and-lane pay structure means that educators with advanced degrees, such as a master's or those with master’s plus 30 credits, can significantly increase their earnings over time. As Chelmsford continues to navigate the demand for quality education, teacher salaries may reflect both local market conditions and broader economic trends.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,961 | $29.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,625 | $34.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,091 | $37.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,333 | $47.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,041 | $58.19 |
Median Salary Position
20.89% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelmsford
In Chelmsford, MA, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,080 (2026 est.). At $78,091, the local median is 20.89% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chelmsford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chelmsford Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Chelmsford median: $78,091/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelmsford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $82,114 | -4.90% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | +20.89% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $78,091 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.89% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $82,114.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelmsford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelmsford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,091 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,973 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$72,135
2025 BLS Actual
$77,333
2026 Current Est.
$78,091
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,135 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,670 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,226 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,577 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,982 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,760 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,333 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,091 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,856 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelmsford metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $72,135 (2019) to $77,333 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,856 by 2027 — a total increase of $6,721 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelmsford 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) | $60,961 – $71,625 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,625 – $78,091 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,091 – $99,333 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,333 – $121,041 |
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 Chelmsford
In Chelmsford, the local job market consists of just eight elementary school teachers, indicating a stable yet competitive employment landscape. Those seeking teaching positions must consider the cost-of-living index, which stands at 108.5, suggesting that living expenses are higher than the national average, impacting real take-home pay. Among the various educational institutions, K-12 public school districts generally offer the most robust salaries, particularly for teachers specializing in areas such as special education and STEM, who may receive additional stipends to incentivize recruitment in shortage areas. The disparity in salaries can be attributed to several factors, including the district's step-and-lane pay structure, substitute teaching opportunities, and the potential for various stipends such as National Board Certification bonuses or compensation for summer contracts. To maximize earnings in this competitive Chelmsford market, candidates should focus on enhancing their qualifications through advanced degrees, pursuing specializations, and gaining leadership roles such as tutoring or coaching, all of which can significantly increase their earning potential.
More salary data for Chelmsford, 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 $77,333 for elementary school teachersin the Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford 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