Fitchburg vs Madison: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Fitchburg, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fitchburg, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,347 | $137,671▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.07 | $66.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,372 | $112,098▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $121,893 | $131,702▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $159,722▲ | $159,510 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,459▲ | $173,103 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 530▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fitchburg.
The salary gap between Fitchburg and Madison is $2,324 (1.72%). Madison's median is +0.59% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fitchburg spans $67,087,Madison spans $61,005. Fitchburg has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fitchburg ($144,911 effective) pays 2.40% more than Madison ($141,510 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fitchburg if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,459)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,911)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,671/year)
- ✓Larger job market (530 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Fitchburg grew 11.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.9% growth in Madison over the same period.
Fitchburg, WI
$116,998 (2024) → $130,833 (2025)
Madison, WI
$111,930 (2019) → $133,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fitchburg, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Fitchburg or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fitchburg and Madison?
Should I relocate from Fitchburg to Madison as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Fitchburg vs Madison?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov