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High School Teacher Salary in Madison, WI β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Madison's cost of living (index: 102). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

High School Teacher Salary in Madison β€” Key Numbers

$64,321
Median Salary
$50,235
25th Percentile
$82,436
75th Percentile
$102,561
90th Percentile
National median (High School Teacher)$63,060
vs. National median+2.0%
Madison median household income$74,200
vs. City household income-13.3%

Cost of Living in Madison

Cost of Living Index
102(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,499/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio28.0%
Annual rent cost$17,988
Median Home Price$380,000
Home Price / Salary5.9Γ—
20% Down Payment$76,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.9 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Madison

2.4%
Unemployment Rate
680,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
31.6
Median Age

Madison has a metro population of 680,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 2.4% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

High School Teacher Salary β€” Other Wisconsin Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a High School Teacher make in Madison, WI?

The estimated median salary for a High School Teacher in Madison is $64,321 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $63,060 adjusted by Madison's cost of living index (102). The typical salary range runs from $50,235 (25th percentile) to $82,436 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $102,561.

Is Madison affordable for a High School Teacher?

On a $64,321 annual salary, a High School Teacher in Madison would spend approximately 28.0% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,499/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Madison relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $380,000 is 5.9Γ— the annual salary.

How does a High School Teacher's salary compare to Madison's overall income?

Madison's median household income is $74,200. A High School Teacher earning the city-adjusted median of $64,321 earns 13.3% less than the typical Madison household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Madison has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.