Elementary School Teacher Salary in Lawrence, MA: $80,118 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Lawrence, MA earns a median $80,118/year (≈ $38.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Lawrence's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $73,841 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the projected median annual salary for an elementary school teacher in Lawrence, Massachusetts, is $80,118, significantly higher than the national median of $64,597. The full salary range in Lawrence spans from $61,650 at the 10th percentile to $124,182 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse compensation landscape. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, accounting for local cost adjustments, including a cost of living index of 108.5 — higher than the national average. For teachers specializing in high-demand areas such as special education, STEM, or bilingual education, additional stipends can enhance base pay, making these positions more lucrative. Given Lawrence's competitive job market, attracting talent in these critical fields remains a priority for local school districts.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,650 | $29.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,866 | $35.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,118 | $38.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,550 | $49.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $124,182 | $59.70 |
Median Salary Position
24.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
In Lawrence, MA, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,532 (2026 est.). At $80,118, the local median is 24.03% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lawrence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lawrence Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Lawrence median: $80,118/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lawrence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $82,172 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | +24.03% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Lawrence, MA earn a median of $80,118 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.03% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 2.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $82,172.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lawrence has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lawrence, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,118 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $73,841 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$74,007
2025 BLS Actual
$79,340
2026 Current Est.
$80,118
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
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 | $74,007 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,582 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,153 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,512 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,115 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,340 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,118 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,903 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lawrence metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $74,007 (2019) to $79,340 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $80,903 by 2027 — a total increase of $6,896 (9.32%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $61,650 – $72,866 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,866 – $80,118 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,118 – $102,550 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,550 – $124,182 |
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 Lawrence
Looking at the job market, only 16 elementary school teachers are currently employed in the Lawrence area, indicating relatively limited opportunities, but also a potential for individual educators to negotiate their salaries. Teachers face a cost of living that is above the national average, which can influence their purchasing power and overall financial well-being. When it comes to compensation, K-12 public school districts typically follow a structured step-and-lane pay scale driven by years of experience and education levels; however, charter schools may offer variable pay structures. For educators eager to maximize their earning potential, pursuing advanced degrees, seeking National Board Certification, or taking on additional roles such as after-school tutoring or coaching can provide pathways to higher salaries. Additionally, staying informed about shortage area stipends can further boost overall pay in this competitive market.
More salary data for Lawrence, 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 $79,340 for elementary school teachersin the Lawrence 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 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