Teacher Salary

Madison vs Superior: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

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

Madison, WI
$64,314
$30.92/hr
Superior, WI
$58,553
$28.15/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMadison, WISuperior, WI
Median Salary$64,314$58,553
Hourly Rate$30.92$28.15
Entry Level (P10)$51,843$46,582
25th Percentile$60,467$54,168
75th Percentile$77,856$74,929
Top Earner (P90)$101,404$90,758
Total Employed3,5307
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Madison ($64,314) and Superior ($58,553) elementary school teacher salaries.MadisonSuperiorMedian Salary$64,314$58,553Entry Level (P10)$51,843$46,582Top Earner (P90)$101,404$90,758US Median $64,597

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Madison and Superior is $5,761 (9.84%). 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,Superior spans $44,176. 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
Superior
P10 (Entry)$46,582
P25$54,168
Median$58,553
P75$74,929
P90 (Top)$90,758

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($66,107 effective) pays 5.45% more than Superior ($62,691 effective).

Madison
Nominal: $64,314
CoL Index: 97.287
Adjusted: $66,107
Superior
Nominal: $58,553
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $62,691

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 Superior 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 Superior over the same period.

Madison, WI

+12.9%

$56,390 (2019) → $63,690 (2025)

Superior, WI

+4.6%

$55,409 (2024) → $57,985 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Madison has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $64,314/year, compared to Superior at $58,553/year — a difference of $5,761 (9.84%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Superior?

Madison elementary school teachers earn $30.92/hr while Superior hygienists earn $28.15/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Madison and Superior. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Madison = $66,107, Superior = $62,691), job availability (3,530 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $51,843 in Madison and $46,582 in Superior. 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