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

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Wisconsin

The median teacher (k-12) salary in Wisconsin is $56,755 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $61,690.

Median Salary
$56,755
vs National
$-4,935
State Rank
#31 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Teacher (K-12) Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #31 out of 50 states for teacher (k-12) compensation. Teacher (K-12) salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $56,755 per year, teacher (k-12)s in Wisconsin earn $4,935 less than the national median of $61,690.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $56,755 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $61,690 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: teacher (k-12)s at the 10th percentile earn $38,088, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $92,920 — a $54,832 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 $61,690.

Nationally, teacher (k-12) employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for teacher (k-12)s across the country.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $38,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $84,640 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,640
$-3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,040
$-4,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$84,640
$-7,360 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $38,088
25th Percentile $44,896
Median (50th) $56,755
75th Percentile $72,864
90th Percentile $92,920

Teacher (K-12) Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for teacher (k-12)s 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 Teacher (K-12) in Wisconsin

Education

Most teacher (k-12) positions require a bachelor's degree. Wisconsin has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Lesson PlanningClassroom ManagementAssessmentDifferentiated InstructionCommunicationEducational Technology

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

Nationally, teacher (k-12) employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Wisconsin's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Teacher (K-12) Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median teacher (k-12) salary in Wisconsin is $56,755 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $61,690. Salaries range from $38,088 (10th percentile) to $92,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Teacher (K-12) make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,755, a teacher (k-12) in Wisconsin earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for teacher (k-12)s? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #31 out of 50 states for teacher (k-12) pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level teacher (k-12)s earn $38,640, while senior professionals earn $84,640.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for teacher (k-12) salary? ▼
The highest paying state for teacher (k-12)s is Hawaii at $104,873. Wisconsin's median of $56,755 ranks #31 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include North Carolina ($56,755) and Texas ($56,755).
What is the entry-level teacher (k-12) salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level teacher (k-12) in Wisconsin earns approximately $38,640 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $57,040. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $84,640.
What city in Wisconsin pays teacher (k-12)s the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for teacher (k-12)s, with a median salary of $61,690. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.