Madison vs Onalaska: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Madison, WI and Onalaska, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Onalaska, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,336▲ | $68,434 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.82▲ | $32.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,795▲ | $39,692 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,641 | $51,661▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $90,030▲ | $86,122 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,021▲ | $103,553 |
| Total Employed | 64▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Onalaska.
The salary gap between Madison and Onalaska is $1,902 (2.78%). Madison's median is -12.51% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $68,226,Onalaska spans $63,861. Madison 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, Madison ($75,306 effective) pays 2.78% more than Onalaska ($73,270 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 ($70,336/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,021)
- ✓Larger job market (64 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,306)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Onalaska if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Madison grew -21.2% from 2022 to 2025, compared to -26.4% growth in Onalaska over the same period.
Madison, WI
$85,440 (2022) → $67,320 (2025)
Onalaska, WI
$88,972 (2024) → $65,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Onalaska, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Madison or Onalaska?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Onalaska?
Should I relocate from Madison to Onalaska as a data analyst?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov