Madison vs Milwaukee: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Madison, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $161,014▲ | $156,146 |
| Hourly Rate | $77.41▲ | $75.07 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $114,192 | $122,807▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $132,379 | $135,841▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $173,091 | $173,498▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,091 | $184,221▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,120 | 1,760▲ |
Verdict
Madison and Milwaukee are closely matched on overall pharmacist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Madison and Milwaukee is $4,868 (3.12%). 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 Madison spans $58,899,Milwaukee spans $61,414. Milwaukee has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($165,504 effective) pays 2.75% more than Milwaukee ($161,080 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 ($161,014/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $165,504)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($184,221)
- ✓Larger job market (1,760 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Madison grew 12.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.0% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Madison, WI
$140,220 (2019) → $158,120 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$134,550 (2019) → $153,340 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Madison or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Madison to Milwaukee as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Madison vs Milwaukee?
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