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Verified by MA Board of Education

K-12 Teacher Licensing in Massachusetts

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for k-12 teacher in Massachusetts, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

No exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher in Massachusetts

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • No exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Office of Educator Licensure

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $83,260 median (34% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #4 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Massachusetts eligibility requirements for K-12 Teacher licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Office of Educator Licensure and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Massachusetts

With a median salary of $83,260, K-12 Teachers in Massachusetts earn 34% above the national median of $62,340. Massachusetts ranks #4 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,805

Median annual salary

$83,260

Hourly estimate

$40.03
34% above national median

Difference: +$20,920

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$57,680
  • P2525th percentile$64,000
  • P50Median$83,260
  • P7575th percentile$99,100
  • P9090th percentile$108,620

State vs National Median

State: $83,260
National: $62,340

Total employment: 32,100 | Annual openings: N/A

K-12 Teacher Salary Ranking

#4 of 50 statesfor K-12 Teacher median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington$99,110
#2California$98,190
#3Rhode Island$86,900
#4Massachusetts$83,260
#5New York$82,480

Nearby States Comparison

K-12 Teacher licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Massachusetts$83,260Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
New Hampshire$64,430Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Vermont$61,270Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New York$82,480Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Connecticut$78,740Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Rhode Island$86,900Specific course requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Massachusetts68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
New Hampshire68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Vermont68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
New York78HighBoard-specific review required.
Connecticut68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Rhode Island68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Office of Educator Licensure

75 Pleasant St, Malden, MA, 02148

Phone: 7813886600

Related Careers in Massachusetts

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$83,490No educational requirementsVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$83,560No educational requirementsVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$99,600No educational requirementsVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$77,440No educational requirementsVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a K-12 Teacher in Massachusetts?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for K-12 Teachers in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for K-12 Teachers.

What education do you need to become a K-12 Teacher in Massachusetts?

The board typically expects Specific course required for K-12 Teacher licensure in Massachusetts.

What is the typical K-12 Teacher salary in Massachusetts?

The median annual salary for K-12 Teachers in Massachusetts is $83,260. Salaries range from $57,680 (10th percentile) to $108,620 (90th percentile).

How does the K-12 Teacher salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?

K-12 Teachers in Massachusetts earn 34% above the national median of $62,340, with a state median of $83,260.

How many K-12 Teachers work in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts employs approximately 32,100 K-12 Teachers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my K-12 Teacher license to Massachusetts from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for K-12 Teachers in Massachusetts?

The licensing agency is Office of Educator Licensure. Review agency details at http://www.mass.gov/edu/government/departments-and-boards/ese/programs/educator-effectiveness/licensure/.

How often do you renew a K-12 Teacher license in Massachusetts?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.