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Geography Teachers, Postsecondary Salary in Wisconsin: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Geography Teachers, Postsecondary salary really buy you in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin is 7.7% cheaper than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-05-19

Nominal Salary
$78,710
Median annual (2025)
+8.3%
Real Purchasing Power
$85,276
COL-adjusted (RPP=92.3)

Wisconsin Cost of Living Index

Wisconsin's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 92.3, meaning prices are 7.7% lower the national average. A Geography Teachers, Postsecondary earning $78,710 in Wisconsin has the equivalent purchasing power of $85,276 in an average-cost US state.

WI: 92.3
Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Salary Breakdown: Nominal vs. COL-Adjusted

Every dollar goes further in low-cost states. Here is how each salary percentile compares after adjusting for Wisconsin's cost of living.

Percentile Nominal Salary COL-Adjusted Difference
10th Percentile (P10) $62,090 $67,269 +$5,179
25th Percentile (P25) $72,660 $78,721 +$6,061
Median (P50) $78,710 $85,276 +$6,566
75th Percentile (P75) $121,040 $131,137 +$10,097
90th Percentile (P90) $178,110 $192,968 +$14,858
Key Insight

A Geography Teachers, Postsecondary in Wisconsin earns $78,710 on paper, but low living costs mean your money goes 8% further — like earning $85,276 in an average-cost state. This makes Wisconsin one of the best value states for this occupation.

What the Cost-of-Living Data Says

Wisconsin Runs Well Below National Cost

RPP 92.3

Wisconsin's Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 92.3 means a basket of goods and services costs about 7.7% less than the national average. For a Geography Teachers, Postsecondary, every dollar earned effectively buys more here than in a 100-RPP state.

Meaningful Purchasing-Power Shift

+8.3%

After applying Wisconsin's RPP, the $78,710 median salary translates to $85,276 in real terms — a 8.3% gain. That difference can cover several months of expenses over a year for a Geography Teachers, Postsecondary.

Bottom-Quartile COL-Adjusted Pay

#24 / 28

Wisconsin ranks #24 of 28 — bottom quartile for Geography Teachers, Postsecondary real purchasing power. Relocation, employer negotiation, or remote roles at higher-paying markets tend to generate the biggest ROI.

Best States for Geography Teachers, Postsecondary (After Cost of Living)

Where does Geography Teachers, Postsecondary salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$129,813
RPP 112.5
2. Vermont
$106,617
RPP 101.1
3. Oregon
$106,472
RPP 106.6
4. Texas
$102,061
RPP 97.5
$100,956
RPP 96.2
$99,496
RPP 101.3
$99,125
RPP 106.4
$98,504
RPP 105.0
$98,147
RPP 97.7
$97,868
RPP 91.0

Wisconsin ranks #24 out of 28 states for Geography Teachers, Postsecondary after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Geography Teachers, Postsecondary take-home pay in Wisconsin after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Geography Teachers, Postsecondary in Wisconsin after cost of living?

A Geography Teachers, Postsecondary in Wisconsin earns a median salary of $78,710 per year. After adjusting for Wisconsin's cost of living (RPP=92.3), the real purchasing power is $85,276 — a +8.3% difference.

Is Wisconsin expensive to live in?

Wisconsin's cost of living is 7.7% lower than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Wisconsin is 92.3 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Geography Teachers, Postsecondary in Wisconsin: $78,710 x (100 / 92.3) = $85,276. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Is it better to be a Geography Teachers, Postsecondary in Wisconsin financially?

From a purchasing power perspective, yes. A Geography Teachers, Postsecondary in Wisconsin enjoys 8.3% more buying power than the nominal salary suggests, because living costs are below the national average. However, other factors like job availability, career growth, and quality of life also matter.

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