Senior Elementary School Teacher Salary in Plymouth, MA: $128,206 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of elementary school teachers working in Plymouth, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $128,206/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 25-2021. Strip back Plymouth's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $118,162 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 2026, senior elementary school teachers in Plymouth, Massachusetts, can expect significant earning potential, with salaries reaching up to $128,206 for top earners. This figure reflects a remarkable increase compared to the national top elementary school teacher salary, highlighting the compensation premium for experienced professionals in this area. The median annual salary of $82,714 indicates a substantial gap between the average and high-end salaries, suggesting that seasoned educators with extensive experience have ample opportunities to maximize their earnings. Achieving top-tier pay typically requires not only more than seven years of experience but also advanced qualifications, active participation in professional development, and possibly specialized skills that are increasingly in demand within Plymouth's educational landscape.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plymouth
Experienced elementary school teachers at the top of the pay scale in Plymouth earn between $105,542 and $128,206 per year (2026 est.). This $66,951 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Plymouth median of $82,714 sits 28.05% above the US median.
Top Teacher Salary Comparison
| Level | Plymouth | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $82,714 | $64,597 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,542 | $82,248 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $128,206 | $105,363 |
In Plymouth, 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 Plymouth
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA elementary school teachers with additional specialty certifications within the education field earn significantly above the $82,714 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Plymouth employers.
Specialty Focus
Elementary School Teachers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the education field in Plymouth command premium compensation, often reaching the $105,542–$128,206 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Clinical Elementary School Teacher
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Elementary School Teacher
5-10 yearsElementary School Teacher Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPlymouth ranks #8 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner elementary school teacher salary (90th percentile: $128,206).
Top 10% elementary school teacher compensation in Plymouth ($128,206) is 7.57% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($119,184).
2019 BLS Actual
$119,126
2025 BLS Actual
$126,962
2026 Current Est.
$128,206
2019–2027 Growth
+8.7%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $119,126 | Actual |
| 2020 | $122,265 | Actual |
| 2021 | $120,975 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,275 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,084 | Actual |
| 2024 | $149,005 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,962 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,206 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $129,463 | Projected |
Top-earning elementary school teachers (90th percentile) in Plymouth saw their compensation grow 6.6% from $119,126 in 2019 to $126,962 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 $129,463 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Specializations play a crucial role in determining compensation for senior educators in Plymouth, especially in high-need areas like STEM fields and special education, where shortages can drive higher pay. Roles such as English Language Learners' (ELL) instructors, instructional coaches, and career and technical education (CTE) professionals can command premium salaries due to their specialized skill sets. Moreover, compensation structures can vary notably across different employer types such as K-12 public schools versus charter or private institutions, where funding and operational philosophies differ significantly. Career advancement paths often lead experienced teachers toward roles in leadership, such as mentorship positions, curriculum specialization, or administrative roles like assistant principal or principal. Obtaining advanced credentials, such as the National Board Certification or higher academic degrees, can further enhance earning potential in this high-cost-of-living (HCOL) district, where added stipends for hard-to-fill positions and extended contracts for summer or after-school work also contribute to overall compensation.
More salary data for Plymouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced elementary school teachers make in Plymouth in 2026?
What drives higher elementary school teacher pay in Plymouth?
What certifications boost elementary school teacher salary in Plymouth?
Can experienced elementary school teachers make six figures in Plymouth?
How much does elementary school teacher salary increase over time in Plymouth?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 $126,962 for elementary school teachers in the Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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