Entry-Level Elementary School Teacher Salary in Sun Prairie, WI: $43,898 (2026)
Quick Answer:New elementary school teachers entering the Sun Prairie, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,898 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 25-2021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sun Prairie's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,000 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,460) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field as elementary school teachers in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, can anticipate a starting annual salary around $43,898 in 2026. While this entry-level figure represents a solid foundation, there remains a noticeable gap when compared to the median salary in the city, which is projected to be $59,460. For those just beginning their careers, the pathway from this entry-level salary to higher earnings is promising; with experience and the right credentials, teachers can see their salaries progress toward the 25th percentile at $56,114, and eventually closer to the median within a few years. With a growth rate of 0.98% annually, Sun Prairie currently offers a stable job market for new graduates, making it an appealing option for those looking to embark on their teaching careers.
About the Sun Prairie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sun Prairie
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sun Prairie
Entry-level elementary school teachers in Sun Prairie, WI typically start between $43,898 and $56,114 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,265 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,460 — 7.95% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average education program cost in Wisconsin of $48,000 represents just 109.34% of the starting elementary school teacher pay ($43,898/year) in Sun Prairie. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover CAEP-accredited undergraduate education programs. Many states require a master's degree within a defined period after initial licensure. Testing costs (Praxis, state-specific exams) are additional.
Teacher Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Sun Prairie
- 1Research the Sun Prairie market: entry-level elementary school teacher pay ranges from $43,898 to $56,114, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the education field — employers in WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Sun Prairie, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Sun Prairie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sun Prairie's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Elementary School Teacher Compensation Range
The elementary school teacher wage spread in Sun Prairie is $48,265 ( 109.95%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,898, experienced hygienists can earn up to $92,163.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,369
2025 BLS Actual
$43,472
2026 Current Est.
$43,898
2019–2027 Growth
+25.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Sun Prairie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,369 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,284 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,837 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,215 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,566 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,263 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,472 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,898 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,328 | Projected |
Entry-level elementary school teacher compensation (10th percentile) in Sun Prairie, WI grew 22.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,369 in 2019 to $43,472 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,328. New graduates entering the Sun Prairie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sun Prairie metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 0.98% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your education Career in Sun Prairie
Several school districts in Sun Prairie are actively recruiting new graduates for elementary teaching positions. Public school districts typically hire through district-level applications and require state license verification, while charter networks may provide opportunities via alternative certification pathways. Organizations like Teach for America also play a role by placing corps members in high-need schools, making these avenues worth exploring for new educators. In order to enhance starting pay, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree along with completing a state-approved teacher preparation program is essential. Additionally, continuing education options such as earning a Master's degree or obtaining National Board Certification can result in improved salaries under the step-and-lane pay structure that characterizes the public school system. In the first three years of teaching, salaries are expected to rise modestly as educators gain experience, with realistic expectations for growth built around regional demand for qualified teachers, especially in specialty areas like STEM and special education.
More salary data for Sun Prairie, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new education graduates. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Sun Prairie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sun Prairie is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.98%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for elementary school teachers (SOC 25-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov