Elementary School Teacher · Salary Comparison · 2026
Elementary School Teacher Salary: Indianapolis, IN vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Elementary School Teachers in Indianapolis, IN and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$40,000 vs $57,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$44,444 vs $35,185
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$39,773 vs $30,886
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $40,000 | $57,000▲ | -$17,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,800 | $43,890▲ | -$13,090 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,200 | $72,960▲ | -$21,760 |
| 90th Percentile | $64,000 | $91,200▲ | -$27,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 162 | -72 |
| State Income Tax | 3.15%▲ | 5% | -1.85% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $44,444▲ | $35,185 | +$9,259 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $35,796 | $50,035▲ | -$14,239 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $39,773▲ | $30,886 | +$8,887 |
| Total Employment | 37,500 | 105,000 | -67,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Indianapolis, IN minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $17,000 more (median: $40,000 vs $57,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 162), Indianapolis, IN provides better purchasing power ($44,444 vs $35,185 equivalent). Indianapolis, IN has the lower state tax rate (3.15% vs 5%).
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.