Madison vs South Milwaukee: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Madison, WI and South Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | South Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,093▲ | $75,480 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.51▲ | $36.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,005 | $52,638▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,301▲ | $59,191 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,641▲ | $95,254 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,041 | $116,994▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,760▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Milwaukee.
The salary gap between Madison and South Milwaukee is $4,613 (6.11%). Madison's median is +24.12% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $59,036,South Milwaukee spans $64,356. South Milwaukee has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electricians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($82,327 effective) pays 1.87% more than South Milwaukee ($80,814 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 ($80,093/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,760 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,327)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose South Milwaukee if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,994)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Madison grew 50.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.6% growth in South Milwaukee over the same period.
Madison, WI
$52,220 (2019) → $78,430 (2025)
South Milwaukee, WI
$65,663 (2024) → $73,913 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
South Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: Madison or South Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and South Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Madison to South Milwaukee as a electrician?
What do entry-level electricians earn in Madison vs South Milwaukee?
Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst
Career Analyst
Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.12% 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 Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov