Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WI Board of Education
K-12 Teacher Licensing in Wisconsin
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for k-12 teacher in Wisconsin, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher in Wisconsin
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State-approved exam
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) • Teacher Education, Professional Development, and Licensing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$60,690 median (3% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#29 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Wisconsin eligibility requirements for K-12 Teacher licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
- 4. Submit the application to Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI)~Teacher Education, Professional Development, and Licensing and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Wisconsin
With a median salary of $60,690, K-12 Teachers in Wisconsin earn 3% below the national median of $62,340. Wisconsin ranks #29 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,213Median annual salary
$60,690Hourly estimate
$29.183% below national median
Difference: -$1,650
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationK-12 Teacher Salary Ranking
#29 of 50 statesfor K-12 Teacher median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $99,110 |
| #2 | California | $98,190 |
| #3 | Rhode Island | $86,900 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | $83,260 |
| #5 | New York | $82,480 |
Nearby States Comparison
K-12 Teacher licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $60,690 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $63,120 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $55,540 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $64,160 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Michigan | $62,350 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Illinois | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Michigan | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) • Teacher Education, Professional Development, and Licensing
125 S. Webster St., P.O. Box 7841, Madison, WI, 53703-7841
Phone: 6082661027
Related Careers in Wisconsin
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $63,650 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $81,740 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $98,680 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $64,150 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a K-12 Teacher in Wisconsin?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What education do you need to become a K-12 Teacher in Wisconsin?
The board typically expects Degree required for K-12 Teacher licensure in Wisconsin.
What is the typical K-12 Teacher salary in Wisconsin?
The median annual salary for K-12 Teachers in Wisconsin is $60,690. Salaries range from $46,690 (10th percentile) to $89,950 (90th percentile).
How does the K-12 Teacher salary in Wisconsin compare to the national average?
K-12 Teachers in Wisconsin earn 3% below the national median of $62,340, with a state median of $60,690.
How many K-12 Teachers work in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin employs approximately 25,080 K-12 Teachers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my K-12 Teacher license to Wisconsin from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for K-12 Teachers in Wisconsin?
The licensing agency is Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) / Teacher Education, Professional Development, and Licensing. Review agency details at http://dpi.wi.gov/sspw/pupil-services/school-counseling/licensing/process.
How often do you renew a K-12 Teacher license in Wisconsin?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.