Madison vs Waukesha: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian 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 | $121,616 | $125,895▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $58.47 | $60.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,644▲ | $73,019 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,059▲ | $95,709 |
| 75th Percentile | $151,943 | $157,675▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,870 | $195,137▲ |
| Total Employed | 420▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Waukesha, WI offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Madison.
The salary gap between Madison and Waukesha is $4,279 (3.52%). Waukesha's median is -8.33% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $84,226,Waukesha spans $122,118. Waukesha has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Waukesha ($134,791 effective) pays 7.83% more than Madison ($125,007 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Waukesha if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($125,895/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($195,137)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,791)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Madison grew 49.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.7% growth in Waukesha over the same period.
Madison, WI
$77,120 (2019) → $115,210 (2025)
Waukesha, WI
$106,739 (2024) → $119,264 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Waukesha, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Madison or Waukesha?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Waukesha?
Should I relocate from Madison to Waukesha as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Madison vs Waukesha?
Related Comparisons
Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov