Madison vs Wauwatosa: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent 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 | $63,377▲ | $55,203 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.47▲ | $26.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,681▲ | $35,935 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,066▲ | $42,370 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,287▲ | $70,659 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,790▲ | $85,564 |
| Total Employed | 1,120▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wauwatosa.
The salary gap between Madison and Wauwatosa is $8,174 (14.81%). 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,Wauwatosa spans $49,629. 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 10.22% more than Wauwatosa ($59,104 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 Wauwatosa 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 Wauwatosa over the same period.
Madison, WI
$38,120 (2019) → $62,440 (2025)
Wauwatosa, WI
$51,355 (2024) → $54,387 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Wauwatosa, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Madison or Wauwatosa?
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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