Teacher Salary

Mequon vs Milwaukee: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)

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

Mequon, WI
$57,189
$27.50/hr
Milwaukee, WI
$62,083
$29.85/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMequon, WIMilwaukee, WI
Median Salary$57,189$62,083
Hourly Rate$27.50$29.85
Entry Level (P10)$47,455$50,833
25th Percentile$54,293$52,712
75th Percentile$69,233$81,249
Top Earner (P90)$85,081$98,385
Total Employed56,620
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Mequon ($57,189) and Milwaukee ($62,083) elementary school teacher salaries.MequonMilwaukeeMedian Salary$57,189$62,083Entry Level (P10)$47,455$50,833Top Earner (P90)$85,081$98,385US Median $64,597

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Mequon and Milwaukee is $4,894 (8.56%). Milwaukee's median is -3.89% compared to the US national median of $64,597.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mequon spans $37,626,Milwaukee spans $47,552. Milwaukee has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.

Mequon
P10 (Entry)$47,455
P25$54,293
Median$57,189
P75$69,233
P90 (Top)$85,081
Milwaukee
P10 (Entry)$50,833
P25$52,712
Median$62,083
P75$81,249
P90 (Top)$98,385

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($64,045 effective) pays 4.60% more than Mequon ($61,230 effective).

Mequon
Nominal: $57,189
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $61,230
Milwaukee
Nominal: $62,083
CoL Index: 96.937
Adjusted: $64,045

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Mequon if…

  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Milwaukee if…

  • Higher median salary ($62,083/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($98,385)
  • Larger job market (6,620 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,045)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Mequon grew 4.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.7% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.

Mequon, WI

+4.6%

$54,118 (2024) → $56,634 (2025)

Milwaukee, WI

+3.7%

$59,290 (2019) → $61,480 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Milwaukee has a higher median elementary school teacher salary at $62,083/year, compared to Mequon at $57,189/year — a difference of $4,894 (8.56%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Mequon and Milwaukee?

Mequon elementary school teachers earn $27.50/hr while Milwaukee hygienists earn $29.85/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Mequon and Milwaukee. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Mequon = $61,230, Milwaukee = $64,045), job availability (5 vs 6,620 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) elementary school teachers earn $47,455 in Mequon and $50,833 in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee 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