Overview Salaries

Salaries in Madison, WI

Updated on Jul 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Madison, WI?

The average salary in Madison, WI is $65,933 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Madison, WI, showing an average salary of $65,933 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Madison, WI, showing an average salary of $5,494 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Madison, WI, showing an average salary of $1,268 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Madison, WI, showing an average salary of $32 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Madison, WI offers a variety of salary opportunities for job seekers. The average yearly salary stands at approximately $65,933. This number reflects the diverse job market, with salaries ranging from lower to higher brackets. The distribution of salaries shows a mix, with about 26% of positions offering around $28,000. A notable 23% of jobs provide salaries close to $41,755.

For those in higher-paying roles, opportunities exist as well. The top 1% of earners can expect salaries around $179,305. This range of salaries indicates a competitive job market with potential for growth. The distribution also shows that a significant portion of jobs fall in the middle range, providing stability for many workers. This balanced distribution suggests a healthy economy with options for various skill levels and industries.

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What are the best paying jobs in Madison, WI?

Madison, WI, offers a range of top-paying jobs across various fields. General Dentists earn a significant income, with salaries averaging over $235,000 annually. Other high-paying roles include Nurse Practitioners and Pharmacists, who see average earnings above $163,000 and $145,000 respectively. For those with specialized skills, positions such as Product Managers and Software Engineers also provide lucrative opportunities, with average salaries reaching nearly $140,000 and $126,000. These jobs highlight the strong demand for skilled professionals in the Madison job market. Job seekers can find rewarding careers with competitive pay in this vibrant city.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Madison, WI, highlighting General Dentist with the highest at $235,191 and Cardiac Sonographer with the lowest at $119,886.

  1. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $235,191
    Provide dental care to patients. Work in private practice or for health organizations. Use advanced technology for treatments and patient care. Companies like Aspen Dental and DentaQuest work here.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Madison, WI


  2. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $163,148
    Offer medical care to patients. Work in hospitals and clinics. Manage patient care and prescribe treatments. Work with large healthcare providers and independent clinics.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Madison, WI


  3. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $145,710
    Provide medication and advice to patients. Work in pharmacies and hospitals. Ensure proper use of medication and patient safety. Companies like Walgreens and CVS offer opportunities.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Madison, WI


  4. Product Manager
    Average Salary: $139,901
    Guide product development from idea to market. Work with cross-functional teams. Ensure product meets customer needs. Tech companies and consumer goods firms hire for this role.
    Find Product Manager jobs in Madison, WI


  5. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $126,549
    Develop software applications. Work in tech companies. Write clean, efficient code. Popular firms like Epic and MongoDB offer software engineering positions.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Madison, WI


  6. Solution Architect
    Average Salary: $126,501
    Design software solutions. Work in tech companies. Ensure systems meet business needs. Companies like Amazon and Google look for skilled solution architects.
    Find Solution Architect jobs in Madison, WI


  7. Clinical Psychologist
    Average Salary: $122,099
    Provide therapy to patients. Work in clinics and hospitals. Help patients manage mental health issues. Major healthcare organizations hire clinical psychologists.
    Find Clinical Psychologist jobs in Madison, WI


  8. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $121,628
    Provide nursing care in different locations. Work in hospitals and clinics. Adapt to new environments quickly. Companies like Aya Healthcare offer traveling nurse positions.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Madison, WI


  9. MRI Technologist
    Average Salary: $121,528
    Operate MRI machines. Work in hospitals and imaging centers. Ensure patients receive high-quality scans. Large health systems need skilled MRI technologists.
    Find MRI Technologist jobs in Madison, WI


  10. Cardiac Sonographer
    Average Salary: $119,886
    Perform ultrasounds on the heart. Work in hospitals and clinics. Help diagnose heart conditions. Major healthcare providers seek qualified cardiac sonographers.
    Find Cardiac Sonographer jobs in Madison, WI

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

Madison, WI offers numerous high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. Sales Inspectors lead the way with an average salary of $85,857. Other lucrative positions include Concrete Finishers, Floating Operators, and Canvassers, all offering solid earnings. These jobs provide competitive pay and valuable experience for those seeking a career without a college education. Job seekers can also find good opportunities in roles like Landscapers, Restaurant Managers, and Kitchen Managers. These positions offer above-average salaries, making them attractive for those who prefer not to pursue a degree. Additionally, Housekeeping, Groundskeeper, and Meat Cutter roles provide steady income and the chance to gain valuable skills. These jobs demonstrate that a degree is not always necessary to achieve a rewarding career.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Madison, WI without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $85,857 and Meat Cutter with the lowest at $37,311.

  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $85,857
    These professionals ensure businesses comply with laws. They work for government agencies or private companies. They often inspect food service and retail businesses.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in Madison, WI


  2. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $61,917
    These workers smooth out and shape concrete. They use tools to finish surfaces. They often work for construction companies on local projects.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Madison, WI


  3. Floating Operator
    Average Salary: $56,849
    They operate heavy machinery to smooth concrete. They work in construction or manufacturing. These professionals help build roads and buildings.
    Find Floating Operator jobs in Madison, WI


  4. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $52,193
    They gather information for surveys. They visit homes or businesses. They work for research firms or local government agencies.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Madison, WI


  5. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $46,176
    They design and maintain outdoor spaces. They plant trees, trim hedges, and mow lawns. They often work for landscaping companies.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Madison, WI


  6. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $46,006
    They oversee restaurant staff and operations. They handle schedules, orders, and customer service. They work for local restaurants and cafes.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Madison, WI


  7. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $42,937
    They manage kitchen staff and inventory. They ensure food is prepared safely. They work for restaurants and catering companies.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Madison, WI


  8. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $40,501
    They clean and maintain rooms in hotels or buildings. They ensure a comfortable environment for guests. They work for hospitality companies.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Madison, WI


  9. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $39,083
    They maintain outdoor areas, including lawns and gardens. They also handle minor repairs. They often work for parks or golf courses.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Madison, WI


  10. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $37,311
    They slice and package meat for sale. They work in grocery stores or butcher shops. They ensure meat is fresh and safe to eat.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Madison, WI

Which companies offer the top salaries in Madison, WI?

If you are looking to land a high-paying job in Madison, WI, several companies offer competitive salaries. LifeStance Health tops the list with an average salary of $139,741. Deloitte follows closely with an average salary of $136,050. These companies provide opportunities for professionals to earn a strong income. Other top-paying employers in Madison include Gifted Healthcare, Nomad Health, and Amazon.com. Each of these companies pays over $126,000 on average. American Traveler, American Family Insurance, and OneStaff Medical also offer attractive salaries. Alliant Energy and FUSION Medical Staffing round out the list, with average salaries over $107,000. These employers demonstrate a commitment to rewarding their employees well.
Graph displaying company salaries in Madison, WI, highlighting LifeStance Health with the highest at $139,741 and FUSION Medical Staffing with the lowest at $107,775.

  1. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $139,741
    LifeStance Health is a leader in mental health care. They offer therapy and psychiatry services across the nation. They are known for their supportive work environment and professional growth opportunities.


  2. Deloitte
    Average Salary: $136,050
    Deloitte is a global leader in audit and consulting. They help companies manage risk, enhance performance, and drive growth. Working at Deloitte offers great career advancement and competitive pay.


  3. Gifted Healthcare
    Average Salary: $132,934
    Gifted Healthcare is a healthcare staffing company. They specialize in placing travel nurses and allied health professionals. They offer competitive pay and flexible work options.


  4. Nomad Health
    Average Salary: $130,343
    Nomad Health connects healthcare professionals with local job opportunities. They focus on matching skills to job needs. Nomad Health values their staff and offers generous compensation.


  5. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $126,687
    Amazon is a global e-commerce giant. They offer a variety of job opportunities in tech, logistics, and more. Amazon is known for its innovative culture and strong benefits.


  6. American Traveler
    Average Salary: $121,026
    American Traveler is a travel nursing and allied staffing company. They provide excellent pay and benefits for their healthcare professionals. They focus on helping staff find rewarding job opportunities.


  7. American Family Insurance
    Average Salary: $116,229
    American Family Insurance is a leading provider of auto, home, and life insurance. They offer a range of job opportunities in various departments. They are committed to employee satisfaction and development.


  8. OneStaff Medical
    Average Salary: $111,405
    OneStaff Medical specializes in travel healthcare staffing. They connect healthcare professionals with job opportunities across the country. They offer competitive pay and flexible scheduling.


  9. Alliant Energy
    Average Salary: $107,825
    Alliant Energy is an energy provider serving Wisconsin and Illinois. They offer a range of job opportunities in energy production and distribution. They value their employees and offer good benefits.


  10. FUSION Medical Staffing
    Average Salary: $107,775
    FUSION Medical Staffing is a healthcare staffing company. They provide travel assignments for nurses and allied health professionals. They offer competitive pay and a supportive work environment.

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

Madison, WI, shows a cost of living slightly below the nationwide average. Specifically, the cost of living index for Madison stands at 97, compared to the 100 index for the national average. This suggests that, overall, Madison residents may find their expenses to be 3% lower than what a typical American might expect. While Madison's overall cost of living is close to the national average, some categories vary. For instance, groceries cost 4% more than the national average, with an index of 104. However, housing and utilities are relatively affordable, with indices of 95 and 98, respectively. This indicates that Madison provides a balanced living experience with both affordable and moderately priced options available.
Cost of living comparison graph for Madison, WI vs. Nationwide: housing 5% lower, groceries 4% higher, utilities 2% lower, transportation 8% lower, healthcare 3% lower, miscellaneous 0% lower.

Madison, Wisconsin, stands out with a cost of living index that is slightly below the nationwide average. On a scale where the national average is set at 100, Madison’s overall index lands at 97. This means that, on average, residents can expect to spend around 3% less in Madison compared to other parts of the country. Housing, one of the major expenses, accounts for 95% of the national index. This shows that Madison offers more affordable housing options relative to the national standard.


When looking at specific categories, Madison's groceries index is slightly higher, at 104%. This indicates that grocery costs are about 4% higher than the national average. On the other hand, Madison's transportation costs are notably lower, at 92% of the national index. This suggests that getting around Madison costs around 8% less than the average cost across the nation. These variations highlight how Madison provides a balanced living experience with some expenses being lower and others slightly higher than the national norm.

There are 3,385 job openings in Madison, WI, today!

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Madison, WI
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