Madison vs Wauwatosa: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Madison, WI and Wauwatosa, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Wauwatosa, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,671▲ | $129,061 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.19▲ | $62.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $112,098▲ | $102,896 |
| 25th Percentile | $131,702▲ | $116,610 |
| 75th Percentile | $159,510▲ | $152,670 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,103▲ | $166,958 |
| Total Employed | 530▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wauwatosa.
The salary gap between Madison and Wauwatosa is $8,610 (6.67%). 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 Madison spans $61,005,Wauwatosa spans $64,062. Wauwatosa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($141,510 effective) pays 2.41% more than Wauwatosa ($138,181 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 ($137,671/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($173,103)
- ✓Larger job market (530 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,510)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Wauwatosa if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Madison grew 18.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.8% growth in Wauwatosa over the same period.
Madison, WI
$111,930 (2019) → $133,080 (2025)
Wauwatosa, WI
$111,564 (2024) → $124,757 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Wauwatosa, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Madison or Wauwatosa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Wauwatosa?
Should I relocate from Madison to Wauwatosa as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Madison vs Wauwatosa?
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