Average Salary

• The annual average wage for a high school teacher in Massachusetts was $61,470 as of May 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is higher than the national average for all high school teachers of $55,150. A Massachusetts high school teacher earns close to the average salary of the top 25 percent of all high school teachers in the United States, which is $66,110.
  
  

Statistics and Benefits

• Teacher Portal states that teachers in Massachusetts have a starting salary of $35,421, with a 10 year growth in salary of 35 percent. Teachers in Massachusetts also receive 15 weeks of vacation time every year, and are eligible for tenure after an average of three years.
  
  

Potential

• Because teacher salaries in Massachusetts rank near the top of all educator salaries in the U.S., positions at high schools in the state are highly coveted, according to Teacher World. Massachusetts was voted the "Smartest State" in the U.S. in 2004, and because of its successful school system, principals and parents are demanding and particular when it comes to hiring teachers. Those with higher level degrees and certification, such as a master's degree, stand the best chance both at landing a teaching position and earning a higher salary.
  
  

Increase Wages

• High school teachers in Massachusetts have a few options to increase their wages. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, coaching or teaching extracurricular activities typically adds a stipend onto a teacher's regular salary. Another option is to earn voluntary national certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, which may bring in special benefits. Teaching summer school typically earns additional income, and those teaching at private high schools may receive free or subsidized housing.