Worcester's Top Earners Exclude Teachers

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A recent report from the city of Worcester, Massachusetts listing the salaries of all public employees shows that the highest-paid teacher in the Worcester Public Schools system is ranked only 528th among the city's top earners. The exclusion of teachers from the top 500 highest-paid positions has raised questions about compensation and staffing priorities within the local government.

Why it matters

The lack of teachers in Worcester's top-earning public positions highlights potential disparities in how the city values and compensates its education workforce compared to other municipal roles. This could impact teacher recruitment, retention, and the overall quality of public education in the community.

The details

According to the report, Colleen Kelley, a curriculum coordinator for the Worcester Public Schools, is the highest-paid teacher and ranks 528th overall among the city's public employees. The top earners are primarily comprised of public safety officials, administrators, and other non-teaching roles. This raises questions about the city's priorities in terms of staffing and compensation, especially given the importance of quality teachers to student outcomes.

• The report listing Worcester's top-paid public employees was published on April 15, 2026.

What’s next

City officials have indicated they will review the compensation structure for public employees, including teachers, to ensure fair and competitive pay across all roles.