Senior Elementary School Teacher Salary in Lawrence, MA: $124,182 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of elementary school teachers working in Lawrence, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $124,182/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 25-2021. Strip back Lawrence's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $114,453 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the competitive environment of Lawrence, Massachusetts, experienced elementary school teachers see a remarkable earning potential that significantly outpaces national averages. With a median annual salary projected at $80,118 in 2026, the top earners—those at the 90th percentile—can command as much as $124,182. This means that dedicated professionals with over seven years of experience can expect not just a substantial salary but also a rewarding career trajectory, often leading to advanced roles such as instructional coach or school administrator. The gap between the median salary and the potential at the top tier exemplifies the experience premium in this market, indicating that a commitment to specialized training and consistent professional development can yield substantial financial rewards.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
Experienced elementary school teachers at the top of the pay scale in Lawrence earn between $102,550 and $124,182 per year (2026 est.). This $62,532 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lawrence median of $80,118 sits 24.03% above the US median.
Top Teacher Salary Comparison
| Level | Lawrence | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $80,118 | $64,597 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,550 | $82,248 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $124,182 | $105,363 |
In Lawrence, experienced elementary school teachers (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Elementary School Teacher Pay in Lawrence
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA elementary school teachers with additional specialty certifications within the education field earn significantly above the $80,118 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lawrence employers.
Specialty Focus
Elementary School Teachers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the education field in Lawrence command premium compensation, often reaching the $102,550–$124,182 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lawrence metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced elementary school teachers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured elementary school teachers in Lawrence with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Elementary School Teachers in Massachusetts who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Elementary School Teacher Career & Wage Growth Path in Lawrence
Clinical Elementary School Teacher
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Elementary School Teacher
5-10 yearsElementary School Teacher Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLawrence ranks #32 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner elementary school teacher salary (90th percentile: $124,182).
Top 10% elementary school teacher compensation in Lawrence ($124,182) is 4.19% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($119,184).
2019 BLS Actual
$115,387
2025 BLS Actual
$122,977
2026 Current Est.
$124,182
2019–2027 Growth
+8.7%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $115,387 | Actual |
| 2020 | $118,428 | Actual |
| 2021 | $117,178 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,406 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,095 | Actual |
| 2024 | $144,328 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,977 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,182 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,399 | Projected |
Top-earning elementary school teachers (90th percentile) in Lawrence saw their compensation grow 6.6% from $115,387 in 2019 to $122,977 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 0.98% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $125,399 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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.
Maximizing Your Elementary School Teacher Earnings in Lawrence
Focusing on high-demand areas can greatly enhance senior elementary school teacher pay in MA. Specializations such as STEM education, special education, and English Language Learners (ELL) are particularly lucrative, often qualifying teachers for significant shortage area stipends. Additionally, differences in compensation across various employer types can impact earnings; K-12 public school districts generally follow a step-and-lane pay structure, while charter schools and private institutions may offer varied, sometimes competitive, salaries based on their funding model and student needs. For teachers aspiring to elevate their careers, paths such as National Board Certification or ascending to leadership roles like department chair or principal present viable options. Enhanced qualifications, including a Master's degree or completion of state-approved certification programs, are instrumental in advancing salary scales, further solidifying Lawrence as a strong choice for educators seeking top elementary school teacher salary opportunities.
More salary data for Lawrence, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced elementary school teachers make in Lawrence in 2026?
What drives higher elementary school teacher pay in Lawrence?
What certifications boost elementary school teacher salary in Lawrence?
Can experienced elementary school teachers make six figures in Lawrence?
How much does elementary school teacher salary increase over time in Lawrence?
Related Pages
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $122,977 for elementary school teachers in the Lawrence metro area. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lawrence 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