Elementary School Teacher Salary in Chelsea, MA: $81,399 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Chelsea, MA earns a median $81,399/year (≈ $39.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Chelsea's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $75,022 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelsea, Massachusetts, projections for 2026 indicate that the median annual salary for an elementary school teacher will reach $81,399. This compensation stands out significantly against the national average, which is $64,597, showcasing a 26.01% premium for teachers in the area. Salaries in Chelsea range from $62,662 at the 10th percentile up to $126,168 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse earning potential in this local market. The figures presented are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations, which is particularly relevant in areas with a cost-of-living index of 108.5. The Chelsea job market, with a small group of just six elementary school teachers, also includes additional pay incentives for those working in special education, STEM fields, or bilingual programs, which can enhance base pay through added stipends.
About the Chelsea Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,662 | $30.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,818 | $35.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,399 | $39.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101,033 | $48.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126,168 | $60.66 |
Median Salary Position
26.01% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelsea
In Chelsea, MA, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,506 (2026 est.). At $81,399, the local median is 26.01% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chelsea: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chelsea Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Chelsea median: $81,399/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelsea Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $82,138 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | +26.01% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Chelsea, MA earn a median of $81,399 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.01% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $82,138.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelsea has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelsea, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,399 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,022 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$75,191
2025 BLS Actual
$80,609
2026 Current Est.
$81,399
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Chelsea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,191 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,791 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,371 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,736 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,244 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,605 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,609 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,399 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,197 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelsea metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $75,191 (2019) to $80,609 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,197 by 2027 — a total increase of $7,006 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelsea 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) | $62,662 – $73,818 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,818 – $81,399 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,399 – $101,033 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $101,033 – $126,168 |
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 Chelsea
Looking deeper into the local job market, the supply of teachers in Chelsea remains limited, with only six elementary school teachers employed in the city. This scarcity can influence salary negotiations, particularly given that Chelsea represents a high-cost-of-living area. Employers such as K-12 public school districts, charter networks like KIPP, and private institutions often have varied pay scales, with some opportunities for additional income through summer school or extended-year contracts. To navigate this landscape effectively, educators might consider pursuing National Board Certification or obtaining advanced degrees, which commonly boost salaries within the structured step-and-lane pay scale that considers experience and education. Moreover, tapping into shortage area stipends can significantly increase overall compensation. For those seeking to maximize their elementary school teacher salary in Chelsea, understanding the nuances of district pay practices and aligning qualifications with district needs can be crucial.
More salary data for Chelsea, 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 $80,609 for elementary school teachersin the Chelsea 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 Chelsea 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