Appleton vs Madison: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Appleton, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $147,277 | $161,014▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $70.80 | $77.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,783 | $114,192▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $130,862 | $132,379▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $168,855 | $173,091▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $178,549▲ | $173,091 |
| Total Employed | 190 | 1,120▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Appleton.
The salary gap between Appleton and Madison is $13,737 (9.33%). Madison's median is +12.21% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $68,766,Madison spans $58,899. Appleton 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 ($165,504 effective) pays 3.86% more than Appleton ($159,358 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Appleton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($178,549)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($161,014/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $165,504)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Appleton grew 0.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.8% growth in Madison over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$143,900 (2019) → $144,630 (2025)
Madison, WI
$140,220 (2019) → $158,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Appleton or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Appleton and Madison?
Should I relocate from Appleton to Madison as a pharmacist?
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov