Germantown vs Madison: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Germantown, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Germantown, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,299 | $83,046▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.68 | $39.93▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,664 | $63,619▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,226 | $78,862▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $96,942▲ | $87,457 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,375▲ | $101,421 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,600▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Germantown.
The salary gap between Germantown and Madison is $6,747 (8.84%). Madison's median is +5.73% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Germantown spans $62,711,Madison spans $37,802. Germantown 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 ($85,362 effective) pays 4.49% more than Germantown ($81,691 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Germantown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,375)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,046/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,600 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,362)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Germantown grew 23.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.5% growth in Madison over the same period.
Germantown, WI
$60,167 (2024) → $74,034 (2025)
Madison, WI
$63,720 (2019) → $80,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Germantown, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Germantown or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Germantown and Madison?
Should I relocate from Germantown to Madison as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Germantown vs Madison?
Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov