Teacher Salary

Madison vs Mequon: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Madison, WI and Mequon, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Madison, WI
$64,314
$30.92/hr
Mequon, WI
$57,189
$27.50/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMadison, WIMequon, WI
Median Salary$64,314$57,189
Hourly Rate$30.92$27.50
Entry Level (P10)$51,843$47,455
25th Percentile$60,467$54,293
75th Percentile$77,856$69,233
Top Earner (P90)$101,404$85,081
Total Employed3,5305
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Madison ($64,314) and Mequon ($57,189) elementary school teacher salaries.MadisonMequonMedian Salary$64,314$57,189Entry Level (P10)$51,843$47,455Top Earner (P90)$101,404$85,081US Median $64,597

Verdict

Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mequon.

The salary gap between Madison and Mequon is $7,125 (12.46%). Madison's median is -0.44% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $49,561,Mequon spans $37,626. Madison has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Madison
P10 (Entry)$51,843
P25$60,467
Median$64,314
P75$77,856
P90 (Top)$101,404
Mequon
P10 (Entry)$47,455
P25$54,293
Median$57,189
P75$69,233
P90 (Top)$85,081

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($66,107 effective) pays 7.97% more than Mequon ($61,230 effective).

Madison
Nominal: $64,314
CoL Index: 97.287
Adjusted: $66,107
Mequon
Nominal: $57,189
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $61,230

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Madison if…

  • Higher median salary ($64,314/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($101,404)
  • Larger job market (3,530 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,107)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Mequon if…

  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Madison grew 12.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.6% growth in Mequon over the same period.

Madison, WI

+12.9%

$56,390 (2019) → $63,690 (2025)

Mequon, WI

+4.6%

$54,118 (2024) → $56,634 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Madison or Mequon?

Madison has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $64,314/year, compared to Mequon at $57,189/year — a difference of $7,125 (12.46%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Mequon?

Madison elementary school teachers earn $30.92/hr while Mequon hygienists earn $27.50/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Madison to Mequon as a elementary school teacher?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Madison and Mequon. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Madison = $66,107, Mequon = $61,230), job availability (3,530 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Madison vs Mequon?

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $51,843 in Madison and $47,455 in Mequon. The Madison area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, MAData verified by David Kim, Ed.D.

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

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