Madison vs Wausau: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Madison, WI and Wausau, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Wausau, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,964▲ | $111,286 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.48▲ | $53.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,661▲ | $68,432 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,674▲ | $85,215 |
| 75th Percentile | $179,351▲ | $165,384 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $382,689▲ | $302,018 |
| Total Employed | 1,860▲ | 150 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wausau.
The salary gap between Madison and Wausau is $18,678 (16.78%). 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,Wausau spans $233,586. 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 ($133,588 effective) pays 11.22% more than Wausau ($120,113 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 ($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 Wausau 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 13.8% growth in Wausau over the same period.
Madison, WI
$100,240 (2019) → $124,130 (2025)
Wausau, WI
$93,360 (2019) → $106,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Wausau, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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