Elementary School Teacher Salary in Waukesha, WI: $62,865 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Waukesha, WI earns a median $62,865/year (≈ $30.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Waukesha's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $67,307 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% above the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukesha, Wisconsin, the median annual salary for an elementary school teacher is projected to be $62,865 in 2026. This figure places teachers just below the national median of $64,597, indicating a local salary landscape that reflects regional cost structures. The salary range for the role spans from $46,114 at the lower tenth percentile (P10) to $97,441 at the upper ninetieth percentile (P90). These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities, suggest a varied market where experience and education levels notably influence compensation. Teachers with master's degrees or those completing a master's plus 30 credits might find themselves on more favorable steps of the district's pay scale, making the pursuit of additional qualifications strategically beneficial in Waukesha’s educational environment.
About the Waukesha Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,114 | $22.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,479 | $26.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,865 | $30.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,507 | $37.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,441 | $46.84 |
Median Salary Position
2.68% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukesha
In Waukesha, WI, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,327 (2026 est.). At $62,865, the local median is 2.68% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waukesha: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waukesha Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Waukesha median: $62,865/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waukesha Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $61,212 | +2.70% more |
| National Average | $64,597 | -2.68% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Waukesha, WI earn a median of $62,865 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.68% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 2.70% above the Wisconsin state average of $61,212.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waukesha has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waukesha, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $62,865 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,307 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,070
2025 BLS Actual
$62,255
2026 Current Est.
$62,865
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Waukesha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,070 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,306 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,754 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,036 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,973 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,051 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,255 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,865 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,481 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waukesha metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $58,070 (2019) to $62,255 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,481 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,411 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukesha 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $46,114 – $55,479 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,479 – $62,865 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,865 – $78,507 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,507 – $97,441 |
Teacher salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual elementary school teacher compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Elementary School Teacher Job Market in Waukesha
The local job market for elementary school teachers in Waukesha employs approximately 14 educators, reflecting a stable yet competitive field. With a cost-of-living index of 93.4, the purchasing power in this region favors educators when compared to many higher-cost areas across the country. Among local employers, public K-12 school districts typically offer the most competitive salaries, leveraging a step-and-lane structure that rewards both experience and advanced degrees. Teachers in high-demand subjects like special education or STEM often receive additional stipends, which can range from 5-15%, helping to bridge the gap between lower and higher salaries. For those interested in maximizing their compensation, pursuing National Board Certification or summer school roles can enhance pay. By strategically navigating local opportunities and understanding the pay structure, educators can position themselves effectively within the Waukesha school market.
More salary data for Waukesha, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $62,255 for elementary school teachersin the Waukesha metropolitan area. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waukesha 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