How does Wisconsin teacher pay compare to the national average?

Wisconsin teachers earn about 20% below the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.

Do Wisconsin teachers get paid during the summer?

Most Wisconsin districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.

What's the highest-paying school district in Wisconsin?

Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across Wisconsin.

Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Wisconsin?

Yes. Almost every Wisconsin district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.

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2026 Salary Guide

Teacher Salaries in Wisconsin

Wisconsin teachers earn an average of $55,066 per year — 20% below the national average.

$55,066State Average

$33,000Entry-Level (BS)

#36National Rank

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Wisconsin Teacher Salary Overview

$33,000Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$55,066Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

$68,469National AverageNational Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24

▼ Wisconsin teachers earn 20% less than the national average (-$13,403)

How Wisconsin Teacher Salaries Work

Wisconsin salaries have been constrained since Act 10 (2011) limited collective bargaining for most public employees. Salaries vary widely; Milwaukee, Madison-Metropolitan, and Green Bay Area districts typically offer higher pay than rural districts.

Key Factors That Affect Your Salary

Years of Experience (Steps): Salaries increase with each additional year of teaching service.
Education Level (Lanes): A master's degree, specialist degree, or doctorate earns a higher salary lane.
District: Each district sets its own salary schedule above the state minimum. Urban and suburban districts near major metro areas typically pay more.
Subject Area: Some districts offer bonuses or supplements for high-demand areas like special education, STEM, and bilingual education.

Additional context:

Act 10 significantly changed labor relations for Wisconsin teachers, limiting salary negotiation in many districts. The state has seen declining teacher preparation program enrollment as a result of wage compression.

Top Hiring Districts in Wisconsin

These districts currently have the most open teaching positions on EduJobsBoard. Districts with more openings are often the most actively growing or have the most competitive pay.

Kenosha School District177 open positions Waukesha School District115 open positions Janesville School District114 open positions Beloit School District108 open positions Green Bay Area Public School District98 open positions Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District94 open positions Racine Unified School District84 open positions Eau Claire Area School District80 open positions Oshkosh Area School District78 open positions Sheboygan Area School District76 open positions

4,197 total open positions across Wisconsin school districts.

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Wisconsin ranks #36 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

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Ready to Teach in Wisconsin?

Before you start earning those salaries, you'll need a valid Wisconsin teaching certificate. Learn about degree requirements, required exams, and the certification timeline.

Wisconsin Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

Browse current teaching positions in Wisconsin — apply directly on district sites.

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Data sources: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction / NEA 2023–24. Salary figures represent approximate state averages and minimums; actual pay varies by district, experience, and education level. For the most current salary schedules, consult your district's human resources department or the Wisconsin Department of Education.

Frequently asked questions about teacher salary in Wisconsin

What is the average teacher salary in Wisconsin?: The average public-school teacher salary in Wisconsin is approximately $55,066 per year (source: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.
How does Wisconsin teacher pay compare to the national average?: Wisconsin teachers earn about 20% below the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.
Do Wisconsin teachers get paid during the summer?: Most Wisconsin districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.
What's the highest-paying school district in Wisconsin?: Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across Wisconsin.
Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Wisconsin?: Yes. Almost every Wisconsin district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.