Teacher Salary

Boston vs Fitchburg: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Boston, MA and Fitchburg, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Boston, MA
$99,021
$47.60/hr
Fitchburg, MA
$81,023
$38.96/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoston, MAFitchburg, MA
Median Salary$99,021$81,023
Hourly Rate$47.60$38.96
Entry Level (P10)$62,264$61,827
25th Percentile$78,583$73,012
75th Percentile$105,262$101,922
Top Earner (P90)$126,104$125,586
Total Employed20,34010
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boston ($99,021) and Fitchburg ($81,023) elementary school teacher salaries.BostonFitchburgMedian Salary$99,021$81,023Entry Level (P10)$62,264$61,827Top Earner (P90)$126,104$125,586US Median $64,597

Verdict

Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fitchburg.

The salary gap between Boston and Fitchburg is $17,998 (22.21%). Boston's median is +53.29% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $63,840,Fitchburg spans $63,759. Boston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Boston
P10 (Entry)$62,264
P25$78,583
Median$99,021
P75$105,262
P90 (Top)$126,104
Fitchburg
P10 (Entry)$61,827
P25$73,012
Median$81,023
P75$101,922
P90 (Top)$125,586

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($91,461 effective) pays 22.48% more than Fitchburg ($74,676 effective).

Boston
Nominal: $99,021
CoL Index: 108.266
Adjusted: $91,461
Fitchburg
Nominal: $81,023
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $74,676

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Boston if…

  • Higher median salary ($99,021/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($126,104)
  • Larger job market (20,340 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,461)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Fitchburg if…

  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Boston grew 19.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -14.8% growth in Fitchburg over the same period.

Boston, MA

+19.6%

$81,990 (2019) → $98,060 (2025)

Fitchburg, MA

+-14.8%

$94,168 (2024) → $80,237 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Boston or Fitchburg?

Boston has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $99,021/year, compared to Fitchburg at $81,023/year — a difference of $17,998 (22.21%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Fitchburg?

Boston elementary school teachers earn $47.60/hr while Fitchburg hygienists earn $38.96/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Boston to Fitchburg as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boston and Fitchburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boston = $91,461, Fitchburg = $74,676), job availability (20,340 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Boston vs Fitchburg?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $62,264 in Boston and $61,827 in Fitchburg. The Boston area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, MAData verified by David Kim, Ed.D.

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

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