Elementary School Teacher Salary in Lowell, MA: $82,379 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Lowell, MA earns a median $82,379/year (≈ $39.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Lowell's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $75,925 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Elementary school teachers in Lowell, Massachusetts, can expect a median annual salary of $82,379 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $64,597. The salary for educators in this city ranges from $63,151 at the 10th percentile to $127,688 at the 90th percentile, offering a broad spectrum of earning potential based on experience and qualifications. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments indicate that a teacher's placement on the district's step-and-lane scale plays a critical role in determining salary, especially for those with advanced degrees like a master’s or a master’s+30. The job market for teachers in Lowell is competitive, reflecting the city's commitment to education and the demand for qualified professionals in the field.
About the Lowell Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,151 | $30.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,944 | $36.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,379 | $39.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105,445 | $50.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127,688 | $61.39 |
Median Salary Position
27.53% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lowell
In Lowell, MA, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,537 (2026 est.). At $82,379, the local median is 27.53% above the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lowell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lowell Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Lowell median: $82,379/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lowell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $82,133 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $64,597 | +27.53% more |
Elementary School Teachers in Lowell, MA earn a median of $82,379 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.53% higher than the national median of $64,597 and 0.30% above the Massachusetts state average of $82,133.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lowell has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lowell, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,379 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,925 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$76,096
2025 BLS Actual
$81,580
2026 Current Est.
$82,379
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Lowell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,096 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,716 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,303 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,672 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,210 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,744 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,580 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,379 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,187 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lowell metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $76,096 (2019) to $81,580 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,187 by 2027 — a total increase of $7,091 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lowell 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) | $63,151 – $74,944 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,944 – $82,379 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,379 – $105,445 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $105,445 – $127,688 |
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 Lowell
A closer examination of the local job market reveals that there are currently 29 elementary school teachers employed in Lowell, MA, highlighting the relative stability of this sector. However, with a cost-of-living index of 108.5, the purchasing power for educators may be somewhat diminished, emphasizing the importance of financial planning for those in the profession. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts tend to offer the most competitive salaries, while charter school networks and private institutions may present varied pay scales influenced by their specific operational funding and structure. The range in compensation reflects factors such as years of experience, educational qualifications, and eligibility for stipends in high-demand areas like special education and STEM. Educators looking to maximize their salaries in Lowell should consider pursuing advanced degrees, obtaining National Board Certification, and exploring opportunities for summer or after-school programs, which can provide added income alongside base salaries.
More salary data for Lowell, 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 $81,580 for elementary school teachersin the Lowell 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 Lowell 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