Madison vs Wauwatosa: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Madison, WI and Wauwatosa, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Wauwatosa, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,046▲ | $76,353 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.93▲ | $36.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,619▲ | $49,650 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,862▲ | $60,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,457 | $97,558▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,421 | $113,007▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,600▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wauwatosa.
The salary gap between Madison and Wauwatosa is $6,693 (8.77%). 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,Wauwatosa spans $63,357. Wauwatosa 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 4.42% more than Wauwatosa ($81,748 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 Wauwatosa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,007)
- ✓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 Wauwatosa over the same period.
Madison, WI
$63,720 (2019) → $80,580 (2025)
Wauwatosa, WI
$60,209 (2024) → $74,086 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Wauwatosa, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Madison or Wauwatosa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Wauwatosa?
Should I relocate from Madison to Wauwatosa as a police officer?
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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