Salary & Cost of Living in Madison, WI
Madison, WI: $68,000 median salary, cost of living index 102, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$68,000
$33/hr
Cost of Living
102
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
2.2%
rate
Madison, WI Overview
Population
269,840
Median Salary
$68,000
Average Salary
$75,000
Avg Commute
22 min
Median Home Price
$340,000
Median Rent
$1,350/mo
Job Growth
+2.5%
Sales Tax
5.5%
Madison is located in Wisconsin with a population of 269,840. The median household salary is $68,000 per year ($33/hour), which is $8,616 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2.5%.
Madison Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Madison, WI, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$52,620
$4,385.00/month · $2,023.85/biweekly · Effective Rate: 22.6%
Gross Pay
$68,000
Federal Tax
-$6,574
State Tax
-$3,604
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$5,202
Net Pay
$52,620
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $5,666.67 | $68,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$547.83 | -$6,574.00 |
| Wisconsin State Tax (5.3%) | -$300.33 | -$3,604.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$351.33 | -$4,216.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$82.17 | -$986.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $4,385.00 | $52,620.00 |
Salary Comparison: Madison vs Other Cities
See how Madison's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madison, WI | $68,000 | 102 | $66,667 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $68,000 | 140 | $48,571 |
| Hayward, CA | $68,000 | 145 | $46,897 |
| Fort Collins, CO | $68,000 | 108 | $62,963 |
| Pearl City, HI | $68,000 | 175 | $38,857 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Madison
Madison's cost of living index is 102 (national average = 100). Living in Madison is 2% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$340,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,350
Annual Rent Cost
$16,200
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $52,620 annual take-home pay in Madison has the purchasing power of approximately $51,588 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $69,360 in Madison to match a $68,000 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Madison
Madison's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $68,000.
Salary Tips for Madison Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 5.3% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Madison's top industries include Government, Education, Technology. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $68,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
Related Salary Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Madison, WI?
The median salary in Madison, WI is $68,000 per year, or $33 per hour. The average salary is $75,000. This is $8,616 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Madison, WI?
Madison's cost of living index is 102 (national average = 100), meaning it is 2% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $340,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,350.
What are the best industries in Madison?
The top industries in Madison, WI include Government, Education, Technology. The city has a job growth rate of 2.5% and an unemployment rate of 2.2%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $68,000.
How does Madison's salary compare to other cities?
Madison's median salary of $68,000 is 14.5% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 102), the real purchasing power is approximately $66,667.
What is the minimum wage in Madison, WI?
The minimum wage in Madison, WI is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.