Madison vs Waukesha: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Madison, WI and Waukesha, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Waukesha, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,336 | $70,898▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.82 | $34.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,795 | $41,121▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,641 | $51,047▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $90,030 | $90,749▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,021 | $109,892▲ |
| Total Employed | 64▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Waukesha, WI offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Madison.
The salary gap between Madison and Waukesha is $562 (0.80%). Waukesha's median is -11.81% 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,Waukesha spans $68,771. Waukesha has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Waukesha ($75,908 effective) pays 0.80% more than Madison ($75,306 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Larger job market (64 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Waukesha if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,898/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,892)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,908)
- ✓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 -27.5% growth in Waukesha over the same period.
Madison, WI
$85,440 (2022) → $67,320 (2025)
Waukesha, WI
$93,631 (2024) → $67,858 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Waukesha, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Madison or Waukesha?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Waukesha?
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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