Lawyer Salary

Madison vs Menomonie: Lawyer Salary (2026)

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

Madison, WI
$129,964
$62.48/hr
Menomonie, WI
$115,018
$55.29/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMadison, WIMenomonie, WI
Median Salary$129,964$115,018
Hourly Rate$62.48$55.29
Entry Level (P10)$80,661$66,711
25th Percentile$103,674$82,814
75th Percentile$179,351$147,223
Top Earner (P90)$382,689$178,278
Total Employed1,8604
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Madison ($129,964) and Menomonie ($115,018) lawyer salaries.MadisonMenomonieMedian Salary$129,964$115,018Entry Level (P10)$80,661$66,711Top Earner (P90)$382,689$178,278US Median $167,174

Verdict

Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Menomonie.

The salary gap between Madison and Menomonie is $14,946 (12.99%). Madison's median is -22.26% compared to the US national median of $167,174.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $302,028,Menomonie spans $111,567. Madison has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Madison
P10 (Entry)$80,661
P25$103,674
Median$129,964
P75$179,351
P90 (Top)$382,689
Menomonie
P10 (Entry)$66,711
P25$82,814
Median$115,018
P75$147,223
P90 (Top)$178,278

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($133,588 effective) pays 8.48% more than Menomonie ($123,146 effective).

Madison
Nominal: $129,964
CoL Index: 97.287
Adjusted: $133,588
Menomonie
Nominal: $115,018
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $123,146

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 ($129,964/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($382,689)
  • Larger job market (1,860 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,588)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Menomonie if…

  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Madison grew 23.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.8% growth in Menomonie over the same period.

Madison, WI

+23.8%

$100,240 (2019) → $124,130 (2025)

Menomonie, WI

+-0.8%

$110,785 (2024) → $109,855 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays lawyers more: Madison or Menomonie?

Madison has a higher median lawyer salary at $129,964/year, compared to Menomonie at $115,018/year — a difference of $14,946 (12.99%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Menomonie?

Madison lawyers earn $62.48/hr while Menomonie hygienists earn $55.29/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Madison to Menomonie as a lawyer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Madison and Menomonie. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Madison = $133,588, Menomonie = $123,146), job availability (1,860 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level lawyers earn in Madison vs Menomonie?

Entry-level (10th percentile) lawyers earn $80,661 in Madison and $66,711 in Menomonie. The Madison area offers higher starting salaries.
AC

Written by Alexandra Chen, JD

Career Analyst

Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.

Clinically reviewed by Daniel Martinez, JDData verified by Priya Patel, JD

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov