Overview Salaries

Salaries in Madison, WI

Updated on Jan 12, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Madison, WI?

The average salary in Madison, WI is $64,485 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Madison, WI, showing an average salary of $64,485 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Madison, WI, showing an average salary of $5,374 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Madison, WI, showing an average salary of $1,240 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Madison, WI, showing an average salary of $31 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Job seekers in Madison, WI, can expect a variety of salary ranges across different sectors. The average yearly salary in Madison stands at approximately $64,485. This average reflects a diverse job market with opportunities in multiple industries. People can find well-paying jobs in areas like healthcare, education, and technology.

The distribution of salaries in Madison shows a balanced spread, with some sectors offering higher pay. For example, the highest-paying jobs earn around $179,305 per year. Some common jobs in this range include senior management roles, specialized healthcare positions, and tech executives. Those in the middle range, earning around $55,510 to $83,020, often work in finance, engineering, and mid-level management. Lower-paying jobs, around $28,000 to $41,755, can be found in retail, hospitality, and entry-level positions.

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What are the best paying jobs in Madison, WI?

Madison, WI, offers a range of well-paying jobs across various fields. General Dentists top the list with an average salary of $234,258. This high earning potential attracts many professionals who value both stability and a good income. Other lucrative positions include Nurse Practitioners and Pharmacists, both of which boast average salaries over $140,000 annually. In addition to health care roles, tech and engineering jobs also offer strong earning potential in Madison. Solution Architects and Software Engineers lead in this sector, with average salaries of $127,224 and $120,674, respectively. These roles require specialized skills and often provide opportunities for career growth. Such professions underline Madison's diverse job market and its ability to support high earners across multiple industries.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Madison, WI, highlighting General Dentist with the highest at $234,258 and Cardiac Sonographer with the lowest at $120,072.

  1. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $234,258
    This role involves diagnosing and treating dental issues. Dental clinics and private practices hire them. Madison's demand for quality dental care drives this role's importance.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Madison, WI


  2. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $159,597
    They provide primary and specialty care. Working in hospitals and clinics, they manage patient care. Madison's healthcare facilities value their expertise in patient care.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Madison, WI


  3. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $143,272
    They ensure proper medication use. Working in pharmacies, they advise patients on drugs. Madison's pharmacies rely on them to ensure safe medication practices.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Madison, WI


  4. Solution Architect
    Average Salary: $127,224
    They design IT solutions for businesses. Working with tech firms, they create systems that meet business needs. Madison's tech companies value their ability to bridge tech and business needs.
    Find Solution Architect jobs in Madison, WI


  5. MRI Technologist
    Average Salary: $123,787
    They operate MRI machines to create images of the body. Working in hospitals, they ensure patient safety. Madison's hospitals depend on them for detailed body imaging.
    Find MRI Technologist jobs in Madison, WI


  6. Clinical Psychologist
    Average Salary: $123,118
    They help people with mental health issues. Working in clinics and private practices, they provide therapy. Madison's mental health centers value their role in patient care.
    Find Clinical Psychologist jobs in Madison, WI


  7. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $121,968
    They work in various locations, providing patient care. Working in hospitals and clinics, they adapt to different environments. Madison's healthcare facilities value their flexibility and expertise.
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  8. Ultrasound Technologist
    Average Salary: $121,257
    They use ultrasound to create images of the body. Working in hospitals, they ensure patient safety. Madison's hospitals depend on them for detailed body imaging.
    Find Ultrasound Technologist jobs in Madison, WI


  9. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $120,674
    They design and develop software. Working with tech companies, they create applications and systems. Madison's tech firms value their ability to develop innovative software.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Madison, WI


  10. Cardiac Sonographer
    Average Salary: $120,072
    They use ultrasound to create images of the heart. Working in hospitals, they ensure patient safety. Madison's hospitals depend on them for detailed heart imaging.
    Find Cardiac Sonographer jobs in Madison, WI

What are the best paying jobs in Madison, WI without a degree?

In Madison, WI, several high-paying jobs do not require a college degree. Opportunities such as Sales Inspector, Concrete Finisher, and Floating Operator offer attractive salaries. These roles provide a chance for individuals to earn well while gaining valuable work experience. These positions offer a good starting point for those looking to enter a new field. For example, a Sales Inspector can make around $89,107 per year, and Concrete Finishers earn about $61,000 annually. Working in these roles can help individuals build skills and potentially move into higher-paying positions in the future.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Madison, WI without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $89,107 and Housekeeping with the lowest at $40,850.

  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $89,107
    This role involves inspecting and analyzing sales activities. It often works for companies like local businesses and regional offices. Attention to detail and strong analytical skills are key.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in Madison, WI


  2. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $61,000
    Concrete finishers shape and finish concrete. They work for construction firms and construction projects around the city. Physical strength and attention to detail are important for this job.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Madison, WI


  3. Floating Operator
    Average Salary: $56,849
    Floating operators manage machinery that levels concrete. They work for companies involved in building projects. It requires understanding machinery and safety practices.
    Find Floating Operator jobs in Madison, WI


  4. Public Works Operator
    Average Salary: $52,816
    Public works operators manage equipment for city infrastructure. They work for municipal departments and construction companies. It requires knowledge of machinery and maintenance.
    Find Public Works Operator jobs in Madison, WI


  5. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $48,269
    Canvassers gather information for surveys and campaigns. They work for market research firms and political organizations. It involves good communication and interpersonal skills.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Madison, WI


  6. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $46,311
    Restaurant managers oversee daily operations of eateries. They work for popular dining spots. It involves managing staff, handling finances, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Madison, WI


  7. Laundry Presser
    Average Salary: $43,300
    Laundry pressers clean, press, and fold clothes. They work for local laundromats and dry cleaners. It requires attention to detail and a neat appearance.
    Find Laundry Presser jobs in Madison, WI


  8. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $42,543
    Kitchen managers handle kitchen staff and food preparation. They work for restaurants and food services. It involves coordinating kitchen activities and maintaining quality.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Madison, WI


  9. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $42,160
    Landscapers design and maintain outdoor spaces. They work for landscaping companies and local parks. It requires skill in gardening and design, along with physical labor.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Madison, WI


  10. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $40,850
    Housekeepers clean and maintain rooms in hotels or private residences. They work for hospitality companies and property management. It requires attention to detail and a clean appearance.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Madison, WI

Which companies offer the top salaries in Madison, WI?

Job seekers in Madison, WI, have a variety of companies to consider for top salaries. Leading the way in compensation are Zendesk and Slate Healthcare, LLC, with average salaries around $137,209 and $136,688, respectively. These companies offer competitive pay packages for their employees. Other notable employers include Baker Tilly, LifeStance Health, and Gifted Healthcare, with average salaries above $130,000. For those looking for a mix of benefits and salary, companies such as Nomad Health, Deloitte, and Amazon.com also provide attractive compensation packages. Additionally, firms like OneStaff Medical and American Family Insurance offer good salary opportunities, making Madison a valuable place to seek employment.
Graph displaying company salaries in Madison, WI, highlighting Zendesk with the highest at $137,209 and American Family Insurance with the lowest at $112,174.

  1. Zendesk
    Average Salary: $137,209
    Zendesk provides a customer service software that helps companies connect with customers. They offer a wide range of tools to help businesses improve their customer service.


  2. Slate Healthcare, LLC
    Average Salary: $136,688
    Slate Healthcare offers staffing and recruiting solutions for the healthcare industry. They connect healthcare professionals with job opportunities.


  3. Baker Tilly
    Average Salary: $136,505
    Baker Tilly is a global accounting and consulting firm. They help businesses in various sectors with tax, audit, and advisory services.


  4. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $135,176
    LifeStance Health offers mental health services. They provide a range of services, including therapy and psychiatry, to help people improve their mental well-being.


  5. Gifted Healthcare
    Average Salary: $131,942
    Gifted Healthcare is a healthcare staffing company. They connect healthcare professionals with job opportunities in various settings.


  6. Nomad Health
    Average Salary: $130,621
    Nomad Health is a healthcare staffing agency. They offer locum tenens staffing services for healthcare professionals.


  7. Deloitte
    Average Salary: $129,843
    Deloitte is a multinational professional services firm. They offer audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services.


  8. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $123,907
    Amazon is an online retailer and technology company. They offer a wide range of products and services, from e-commerce to cloud computing.


  9. OneStaff Medical
    Average Salary: $112,276
    OneStaff Medical is a healthcare staffing agency. They connect healthcare professionals with job opportunities in various settings.


  10. American Family Insurance
    Average Salary: $112,174
    American Family Insurance provides various insurance products, including auto, home, and business insurance. They offer comprehensive insurance solutions to meet different needs.

How does the cost of living in Madison, WI compare to the national average?

Madison, WI, offers a cost of living slightly below the nationwide average. With an overall cost of living index of 95, it provides residents with about 5% savings compared to the national benchmark of 100. Madison's housing costs are notably cheaper at 95, while utilities run slightly higher at 102. Groceries and healthcare costs align closely with the national average at 98 and 92, respectively, making Madison an attractive location for budget-conscious individuals.
Cost of living comparison graph for Madison, WI vs. Nationwide: housing 5% lower, groceries 2% lower, utilities 2% higher, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 8% lower, miscellaneous 1% lower.

Madison, Wisconsin, has a cost of living that slightly differs from the nationwide average. The housing index in Madison stands at 95, indicating that housing costs are 5% lower than the national average. This lower housing expense provides a financial advantage for residents, making it more affordable to secure a place to live in comparison to many other areas across the country.


Additionally, Madison's grocery index is at 98, which is only 2% below the nationwide average. This suggests that the price of everyday groceries in Madison remains quite competitive. Madison also has a slightly higher utilities index of 102, meaning utility costs are 2% above the national average. While transportation costs are notably lower, with an index of 90, reflecting a 10% savings compared to the national average. Healthcare costs are just a bit lower than the average at 92, while miscellaneous costs match the national average at 99. This means Madison residents can enjoy a balanced cost of living with some areas offering savings, particularly in housing and transportation.

There are 3,271 job openings in Madison, WI, today!

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Madison, WI
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