Creative & Education Wisconsin (WI) Rank #31 of 50

ESL Teacher Salary in Wisconsin

The median esl teacher salary in Wisconsin is $51,520 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $56,000.

Median Salary
$51,520
vs National
$-4,480
State Rank
#31 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

ESL Teacher Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #31 out of 50 states for esl teacher compensation. ESL Teacher salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $51,520 per year, esl teachers in Wisconsin earn $4,480 less than the national median of $56,000.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $51,520 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $56,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: esl teachers at the 10th percentile earn $33,120, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $80,960 — a $47,840 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $56,000.

Nationally, esl teacher employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for esl teachers across the country.

ESL Teacher Salary in Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level esl teacher earns around $34,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,280 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,960
$-3,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,440
$-4,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,280
$-6,720 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $33,120
25th Percentile $40,480
Median (50th) $51,520
75th Percentile $66,240
90th Percentile $80,960

ESL Teacher Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for esl teachers in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a ESL Teacher in Wisconsin

Education

Most esl teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Wisconsin has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

ESL MethodsLesson PlanningCultural CompetencyAssessmentPatienceCommunication

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

Nationally, esl teacher employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Wisconsin's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: ESL Teacher Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a ESL Teacher make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median esl teacher salary in Wisconsin is $51,520 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $56,000. Salaries range from $33,120 (10th percentile) to $80,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a ESL Teacher make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,520, a esl teacher in Wisconsin earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for esl teachers? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #31 out of 50 states for esl teacher pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level esl teachers earn $34,960, while senior professionals earn $77,280.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for esl teacher salary? ▼
The highest paying state for esl teachers is Hawaii at $95,200. Wisconsin's median of $51,520 ranks #31 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Carolina ($51,520) and Texas ($51,520).
What is the entry-level esl teacher salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level esl teacher in Wisconsin earns approximately $34,960 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $52,440. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $77,280.
What city in Wisconsin pays esl teachers the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for esl teachers, with a median salary of $56,000. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.