Creative & Education Madison, WI Pop. 269,840

Special Education Teacher Salary in Madison, Wisconsin

The median special education teacher salary in Madison, WI is $62,960 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 8.7% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$62,960
vs State Avg
+$5,037
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Special Education Teacher Pay in Madison: What to Expect (2026)

Madison offers a median special education teacher salary of $62,960, which is $5,037 above the Wisconsin state average of $57,923. Compared to the national median of $62,960, Madison pays above average for this role.

Madison's cost of living is 100% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for special education teachers in Madison spans from $42,000 at the 10th percentile to $96,000 at the 90th percentile — a $54,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,000. With a population of 269,840, Madison is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Madison by Experience

In Madison, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Madison, WI

Percentile Madison
10th Percentile $42,000
25th Percentile $50,000
Median (50th) $62,960
75th Percentile $78,000
90th Percentile $96,000

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Madison

Education

Most special education teacher positions require a bachelor's degree. Madison and the surrounding Wisconsin area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

IEP DevelopmentAdaptive TeachingAssessmentBehavioral ManagementCommunicationPatience

Job Outlook

Nationally, special education teacher employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Madison may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Madison

Browse open special education teacher positions in Madison, WI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Madison

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Madison, WI? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Madison, Wisconsin is $62,960 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $42,000 (10th percentile) to $96,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Madison? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,960, a special education teacher in Madison earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Madison compare to the Wisconsin state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Madison's median special education teacher salary of $62,960 is 8.7% above the Wisconsin state average of $57,923. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Madison, WI? ▼
Madison has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a special education teacher salary of $62,960 in Madison has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a special education teacher in Madison? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Madison require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include IEP Development, Adaptive Teaching, Assessment, Behavioral Management. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.