Career Guide: Elementary School Teacher in Somerville, MA

If you’re an elementary school teacher considering a move to Somerville, you’re looking at one of the most vibrant, educated, and transit-rich cities in the Greater Boston area. This guide isn’t a sales pitch—it’s a data-driven look at what your career and life will actually be like here. We’ll cover salaries, rent, job markets, and the real costs of living. Let’s get into the details.

The Salary Picture: Where Somerville Stands

Somerville is part of the Boston-Cambridge-Newton metropolitan area, one of the highest-paying regions for teachers in the country. However, cost of living is a major factor.

Median Salary: $65,885/year
Hourly Rate: $31.68/hour
National Average: $63,670/year
Jobs in Metro: 402
10-Year Job Growth: 1%

While your salary here will likely be $65,885 (the median for the metro area), it’s crucial to understand that this is above the national average of $63,670, but the cost of living in the Boston metro is significantly higher than the U.S. average. The 10-year job growth of 1% is very low, reflecting a mature market with high competition for openings but also high stability. Most openings come from retirements, not new positions.

Experience-Level Breakdown
Salaries in Massachusetts public schools are typically determined by a step-and-lane system based on education and years of experience. While exact starting pay varies by district, here’s a realistic range for the Boston metro area.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$50,000 - $58,000	Often starts in the lower range, especially in charter or private schools. Public schools like Somerville Public Schools (SPS) have a union-negotiated contract.
Mid-Career	4-10 years	$60,000 - $75,000	You'll likely hit the median here. Advancement to lead teacher or department head roles begins.
Senior/Expert	10+ years	$76,000 - $95,000+	Top of the scale with a Master’s+30 credits. District-wide specialist or curriculum coach roles fall here.

Comparison to Other MA Cities
Somerville is a small city (pop. ~80k) surrounded by larger, more expensive neighbors. Your salary as a teacher here is competitive, but you must weigh it against local costs.

• Boston: Higher salaries (often $70k+ for mid-career), but astronomically higher rents and a brutal commute if you don't live in the city.
• Cambridge: Similar salary scale to Boston, but housing is even more expensive and scarce. Teaching opportunities at Cambridge Public Schools are prestigious and competitive.
• Quincy or Medford: Often have slightly lower cost of living (especially rent) and a similar salary scale. They are solid alternatives if you want more space for your money.
• Worcester or Springfield: Significantly lower cost of living and a lower teacher salary scale. Good options if you prioritize affordability over proximity to Boston's job market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally honest about your monthly budget on a $65,885 salary. Massachusetts has a 5% state income tax, and federal taxes will take another 10-15% for a single filer.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Elementary School Teacher ($65,885/year)

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,490
• Estimated Taxes (Fed + State): -$1,100
• Take-Home Pay: ~$4,390

Monthly Expenses:

• Rent (1BR Average): -$2,064
• Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet): -$200
• Groceries: -$400
• Transportation (MBTA Pass): -$90
• Student Loans / Other Debt: -$300
• Misc. (Personal, Savings, Entertainment): -$636
• Remaining Balance: $0

This is a tight budget. There’s no room for error, major savings, or lifestyle splurges. Rent in Somerville is often the single biggest challenge.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
In short: It’s extremely difficult on this salary alone. The median home price in Somerville is over $800,000. A 20% down payment is $160,000. Even with a 3% down payment, your monthly mortgage, taxes, and insurance would exceed $4,500/month—more than your entire take-home pay. Most teachers here either rent long-term, buy with a dual-income household, or look to more affordable suburbs like Everett, Chelsea, or Revere.

Where the Jobs Are: Somerville's Major Employers

The job market for teachers in Somerville is stable but competitive. The largest employer is the local public school system, but there are also charter, private, and regional opportunities.

1. Somerville Public Schools (SPS): The primary employer. SPS runs 11 elementary schools (from the Hill to the East Somerville Community School). They are known for a progressive, often project-based curriculum. Hiring is cyclical, with the most openings posted in spring and summer. Insider Tip: SPS values experience with diverse populations and ESL/ELL (English as a Second Language) endorsement.
2. The Conservatory Lab Charter School: A well-regarded charter school in Allston, easily commutable from Somerville. They focus on music and arts integration. Charters often have more hiring flexibility but may have different contract terms.
3. Cambridge Public Schools (CPS): Directly adjacent to Somerville. CPS is a massive district with a huge variety of schools. Salaries are among the highest in the state. Commuting is easy via the Red Line. Competition is fierce.
4. Boston Public Schools (BPS): A quick subway ride away. BPS is the largest district in New England, offering immense variety and specialized schools (e.g., arts, STEM). The hiring process can be lengthy.
5. Private & Independent Schools: Institutions like St. John’s School or Gann Academy (in nearby Waltham) offer different environments. Salaries can be lower than public schools, but benefits and class sizes are often better.
6. Early Childhood Centers: Many private daycares and preschools (e.g., Somerville Community Child Care Center) employ ECE-certified teachers. This is a common entry point into the field.
7. Regional Collaboration: The Educational Collaborative (like the METCO program or the North Shore Education Consortium) hires teachers for specialized roles serving multiple districts.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts has strict licensing requirements. The process is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

Step-by-Step:

1. Complete a Bachelor’s Degree & Teacher Prep Program: From an accredited institution.
2. Pass the MTEL Exams: You must pass the Communication & Literacy Skills MTEL (a foundational test) and the Subject Matter MTEL (Elementary Education). Each exam costs $139.
3. Apply for Provisional License: This is a 5-year license that allows you to teach while you work on your professional license.
4. Earn Your Professional License: This requires completing an approved teacher preparation program (if you didn’t already), passing all required MTELs, and completing your first year of teaching under a mentor.

Timeline & Costs:

• Timeline: If you have a degree and no experience, it can take 6-12 months to study for and pass the MTELs, plus the time to find a job and start your provisional year.
• Costs: Budget around $500-$1,000 for exam fees, transcript requests, and application fees. The cost of a teacher prep program (if needed) is separate and can be tens of thousands of dollars at a university.

Insider Tip: The MTELs are known to be challenging. Many candidates take prep courses. The Communication & Literacy Skills test is often the first hurdle for out-of-state teachers.

Best Neighborhoods for Elementary School Teachers

Where you live in Somerville dictates your commute, grocery bill, and social life. Here’s a neighborhood breakdown.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For...
Davis Square	The "cool" hub. Red Line stop, restaurants, bookstores. 10-15 min commute to most schools.	$2,200 - $2,500	Young teachers who want a vibrant social scene and don't mind a tighter budget.
Teele Square	Family-friendly, quieter. Close to Davis, more residential. Good bus routes.	$1,800 - $2,200	Teachers seeking a balance of livability and affordability. More space for your dollar.
Winter Hill	Up-and-coming, less expensive. Blue Line access via Sullivan Square. Gentrifying rapidly.	$1,700 - $2,000	Budget-conscious teachers who are okay with a longer commute and a grittier vibe.
Prospect Hill	Historic, charming, hilly. Close to downtown Somerville (Union Square). Walkable to many schools.	$2,000 - $2,400	Those who love neighborhood character and want a walkable commute to the heart of the city.
East Somerville	More residential, family-oriented. Close to the Community Path and the Mystic River.	$1,800 - $2,100	Teachers who prioritize green space, community feel, and a slightly lower rent.

Insider Tip: Somerville has a notoriously tight rental market. Start your search 90 days before your move-in date. Use Facebook groups like "Somerville Housing" for sublets and direct listings from landlords.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job outlook is flat (1% growth), meaning growth comes from moving up, not out.

• Specialty Premiums: In Massachusetts, additional credentials pay. An ESL (English as a Second Language) or SPED (Special Education) license can add $5,000 - $10,000 to your base salary in many districts. These are high-need areas, making you more employable.
• Advancement Paths: After 5-7 years, you can move into roles like:
  • Instructional Coach/Lead Teacher: Mentoring colleagues, curriculum development.
  • Department Head (for upper elementary grades).
  • Curriculum Specialist at the district level.
  • Administrator: Requires a Master’s in Education Leadership and a license. A principal’s salary in Somerville can exceed $120,000.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain steady for qualified teachers, especially in SPED, ESL, and bilingual education. The low overall growth suggests you must be proactive about professional development to advance. The stability of the public sector is a major draw, but you must be strategic about taking on additional credentials and leadership roles.

The Verdict: Is Somerville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Active, intellectual community with a high density of educators and creatives.	Extremely high cost of living, especially rent. $2,064/month is the average, and it's rising.
Excellent public transit (Red Line, Orange Line, buses). Many teachers can live car-free.	Highly competitive job market. You need a standout resume and often local connections.
Proximity to world-class professional development (Harvard, MIT, Tufts are all nearby).	Salary may not stretch far. Budgeting is tight, and homeownership is a distant dream for most.
Somerville Public Schools has a progressive, supportive environment for teachers.	The 1% job growth means you must be patient and persistent in your job search.
Vibrant, walkable neighborhoods with a strong sense of local identity.	The rental market is cutthroat. Finding an affordable apartment requires effort and timing.

Final Recommendation:
Somerville is an excellent choice for an elementary school teacher who values community, culture, and continuous learning, and for whom the social and intellectual environment is as important as the paycheck. If you are a dual-income household or are willing to live a very frugal lifestyle, it’s manageable. If you are a single teacher on a $65,885 salary seeking affordability and space, you should seriously consider the surrounding suburbs like Medford, Malden, or Everett while working in Somerville or Cambridge. The trade-off is worth it for your financial health.

FAQs

1. Is it possible to live in Somerville on a teacher’s starting salary?
It’s challenging but possible if you have a roommate or a partner. A starting salary in the $50,000 - $58,000 range, after taxes, would leave very little after paying $1,500-$2,000 for a room in a shared apartment and basic expenses.

2. How do I get my Massachusetts teaching license if I’m from another state?
First, check the DESE website to see if your state has reciprocity. You will likely still need to pass the MTEL exams (Communication & Literacy and your subject area). You may also need to complete a Massachusetts-approved teacher prep program or additional coursework.

3. What’s the best way to find a teaching job in the area?

• Check district websites directly: Somerville, Cambridge, Boston, and neighboring towns post on their own sites.
• Use SchoolSpring: A popular job board for New England education positions.
• Network: Attend local education job fairs (often held at universities like Lesley or Harvard). Join the Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) for networking and resources.

4. Are there opportunities for part-time or substitute teaching?
Yes, especially in charter and private schools. Substituting in Somerville Public Schools requires a license, but it’s a great way to get your foot in the door and build relationships. Pay is typically $100-$150/day.

5. How does the commute from the suburbs affect my budget?
Living outside Somerville in a more affordable area (e.g., Medford) can save you $300-$600/month on rent. Factor in an MBTA Monthly Pass ($90) or a car payment + insurance. For most, the savings on rent outweigh the commute cost, especially if you use public transit.