Wisconsin Teaching Salaries

People often believe that teachers don't make a lot of money. Those in the know, though, are aware that compensation in the education industry can be quite generous, especially when you factor in the great vacation schedule and the comprehensive benefits packages that usually go along with teaching. In Wisconsin, teaching salaries averaged $52,644 in 2009-10, according to the National Education Association, with most school districts offering benefits that range from health insurance to retirement plans. ⁽¹⁾

The average Wisconsin teacher salary does vary, however. One major source of salary variation is what grade level you teach. In May 2009, preschool teachers in Wisconsin earned an average salary of $23,460, elementary school teachers earned $51,240, and secondary school teachers earned $49,400. ⁽²⁾ Education and experience level also make a difference in teacher salaries: secondary school teachers in the 90^th wage percentile earned $69,550, while the entry-level teacher salary is generally in the $30,000s. ⁽³⁾

Geographic location is another significant reason for variation in Wisconsin teaching salaries. Areas that have a higher cost of living often pay correspondingly higher salaries. Below are average annual earnings for secondary school teachers in five of the largest metropolitan areas in the state: ⁽⁴⁾

• Green Bay: $55,110
• Kenosha: $68,400
• Madison: $50,770
• Milwaukee: $54,620
• Racine: $49,710

However, the greatest benefit to becoming an educator has nothing to do with Wisconsin teaching salaries. At the end of the day, the intrinsic rewards of helping children learn and shaping their knowledge for the future are arguably far more satisfying.

If you're thinking of becoming a teacher in Wisconsin, find the education degree that's right for you, and start your future today!

Sources:
(1) Milwaukee Public Schools
(2) Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
(3) Wisconsin's Worknet
(4) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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