Madison vs Sun Prairie: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Madison, WI and Sun Prairie, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Sun Prairie, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,046▲ | $78,260 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.93▲ | $37.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,619▲ | $47,586 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,862▲ | $63,989 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,457 | $100,172▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,421 | $116,765▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,600▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sun Prairie.
The salary gap between Madison and Sun Prairie is $4,786 (6.12%). 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 Madison spans $37,802,Sun Prairie spans $69,179. Sun Prairie has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($85,362 effective) pays 1.88% more than Sun Prairie ($83,790 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 ($83,046/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,600 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,362)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Sun Prairie if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,765)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Madison grew 26.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.0% growth in Sun Prairie over the same period.
Madison, WI
$63,720 (2019) → $80,580 (2025)
Sun Prairie, WI
$61,713 (2024) → $75,936 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Sun Prairie, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Madison or Sun Prairie?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Sun Prairie?
Should I relocate from Madison to Sun Prairie as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Madison vs Sun Prairie?
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