Data Analyst Pay

Madison vs Wauwatosa: Data Analyst Salary (2026)

Compare data analyst salaries between Madison, WI and Wauwatosa, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Madison, WI
$70,336
$33.82/hr
Wauwatosa, WI
$65,424
$31.46/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMadison, WIWauwatosa, WI
Median Salary$70,336$65,424
Hourly Rate$33.82$31.46
Entry Level (P10)$40,795$38,218
25th Percentile$50,641$47,197
75th Percentile$90,030$83,743
Top Earner (P90)$109,021$101,407
Total Employed6410
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Madison ($70,336) and Wauwatosa ($65,424) data analyst salaries.MadisonWauwatosaMedian Salary$70,336$65,424Entry Level (P10)$40,795$38,218Top Earner (P90)$109,021$101,407US Median $80,394

Verdict

Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wauwatosa.

The salary gap between Madison and Wauwatosa is $4,912 (7.51%). 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,Wauwatosa spans $63,189. Madison has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Madison
P10 (Entry)$40,795
P25$50,641
Median$70,336
P75$90,030
P90 (Top)$109,021
Wauwatosa
P10 (Entry)$38,218
P25$47,197
Median$65,424
P75$83,743
P90 (Top)$101,407

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($75,306 effective) pays 7.51% more than Wauwatosa ($70,047 effective).

Madison
Nominal: $70,336
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $75,306
Wauwatosa
Nominal: $65,424
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $70,047

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 Wauwatosa 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 -29.3% growth in Wauwatosa over the same period.

Madison, WI

+-21.2%

$85,440 (2022) → $67,320 (2025)

Wauwatosa, WI

+-29.3%

$88,543 (2024) → $62,619 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays data analysts more: Madison or Wauwatosa?

Madison has a higher median data analyst salary at $70,336/year, compared to Wauwatosa at $65,424/year — a difference of $4,912 (7.51%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Wauwatosa?

Madison data analysts earn $33.82/hr while Wauwatosa hygienists earn $31.46/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Madison to Wauwatosa as a data analyst?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Madison and Wauwatosa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Madison = $75,306, Wauwatosa = $70,047), job availability (64 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level data analysts earn in Madison vs Wauwatosa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) data analysts earn $40,795 in Madison and $38,218 in Wauwatosa. The Madison area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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