Madison vs Waukesha: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Madison, WI and Waukesha, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Waukesha, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,563▲ | $103,822 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.23▲ | $49.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,101▲ | $71,692 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,904▲ | $83,456 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,627 | $117,037▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,784 | $141,317▲ |
| Total Employed | 10,650▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waukesha.
The salary gap between Madison and Waukesha is $2,741 (2.64%). Madison's median is +3.73% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $43,683,Waukesha spans $69,625. Waukesha has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Waukesha ($111,158 effective) pays 1.48% more than Madison ($109,535 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,563/year)
- ✓Larger job market (10,650 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Waukesha if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,317)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,158)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Madison grew 28.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.9% growth in Waukesha over the same period.
Madison, WI
$78,960 (2019) → $101,190 (2025)
Waukesha, WI
$77,714 (2024) → $98,587 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Waukesha, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov