Madison vs Middleton: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Madison, WI and Middleton, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Middleton, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,377▲ | $53,837 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.47▲ | $25.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,681▲ | $36,736 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,066▲ | $42,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,287▲ | $68,910 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,790▲ | $83,447 |
| Total Employed | 1,120▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Middleton.
The salary gap between Madison and Middleton is $9,540 (17.72%). Madison's median is +18.19% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $81,109,Middleton spans $46,711. Madison 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 ($65,144 effective) pays 13.02% more than Middleton ($57,641 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 ($63,377/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,790)
- ✓Larger job market (1,120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,144)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Middleton if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Madison grew 63.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.9% growth in Middleton over the same period.
Madison, WI
$38,120 (2019) → $62,440 (2025)
Middleton, WI
$50,085 (2024) → $53,041 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Middleton, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Madison or Middleton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Middleton?
Should I relocate from Madison to Middleton as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Madison vs Middleton?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% 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 Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov