Wisconsin Salaries 2025
Manufacturing strength with exceptional quality of life
Median Household Income
Wisconsin Salary Overview 2025
Wisconsin exemplifies the Midwest value proposition: solid wages, affordable housing, and employers that still offer genuine career paths with benefits. The state's median household income of $67,100 falls modestly below the national median, but Wisconsin's cost of living (92 index) means workers enjoy strong purchasing power.
The economy balances advanced manufacturing (engines, medical devices, food processing), healthcare (major academic medical centers), insurance (multiple headquarters), and a thriving technology sector in Madison. Epic Systems alone employs 10,000+ workers, making Wisconsin a legitimate tech destination.
Wisconsin's two major metros offer distinct character: Milwaukee provides rust-belt-renaissance urban living, while Madison offers one of America's most livable college towns. Both offer exceptional value compared to coastal metros. For comprehensive salary data, see salary trends 2025.
Wisconsin Salary Snapshot
| Metric | Wisconsin | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $67,100 | $74,580 |
| Mean Household Income | $87,500 | $97,300 |
| Per Capita Income | $36,500 | $37,638 |
| Minimum Wage (2025) | $7.25/hr (federal) | $7.25/hr (federal) |
| Cost of Living Index | 92 (8% below avg) | 100 |
| Top Income Tax Rate | 7.65% | Varies by state |
Salaries by Wisconsin Metro Area
Milwaukee – State's Largest City
Median Household Income: $65,000
Milwaukee anchors Wisconsin's economy with manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services. Major employers include Northwestern Mutual, Rockwell Automation, Johnson Controls, and Harley-Davidson. Manufacturing engineers earn $75,000-$120,000, financial analysts $60,000-$100,000. Median home price around $285,000 makes urban living accessible.
Madison – State Capital & Tech Hub
Median Household Income: $76,000
Madison consistently ranks among America's most livable cities. Epic Systems alone employs 10,000+, with software engineers earning $85,000-$140,000. UW-Madison provides education employment with faculty earning $70,000-$180,000+. State government follows Wisconsin pay scales. The concentration of educated workers creates higher wages than statewide averages.
Green Bay – Papermaking & Packers
Median Household Income: $58,000
Economy centers on paper/packaging manufacturing and healthcare. Paper engineers earn $70,000-$110,000, production workers $45,000-$70,000. Exceptional affordability (median home ~$235,000) and strong community.
Fox Valley (Appleton, Oshkosh, Neenah)
Median Household Income: $65,000
Significant manufacturing including Oshkosh Corporation and Kimberly-Clark. Engineers $70,000-$115,000, skilled trades $50,000-$80,000.
| Metro Area | Median Income | Cost of Living | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $65,000 | 91 | Manufacturing, Insurance, Healthcare |
| Madison | $76,000 | 102 | Tech (Epic), Government, Education |
| Green Bay | $58,000 | 86 | Paper, Healthcare, Food Processing |
| Fox Valley | $65,000 | 88 | Manufacturing, Healthcare |
Top Paying Industries in Wisconsin
Healthcare IT (Epic Systems)
Epic Systems, based in Verona, dominates Wisconsin's tech landscape with electronic health record software. Software developers $85,000-$140,000, implementation consultants $65,000-$110,000. Epic hires new graduates with extensive training.
Manufacturing
Wisconsin manufacturing spans engines, motorcycles (Harley-Davidson), specialty vehicles (Oshkosh), and food processing. Engineers $70,000-$125,000, plant managers $90,000-$150,000, skilled trades $50,000-$85,000.
Insurance & Financial Services
Northwestern Mutual (Milwaukee) and American Family (Madison) headquarters create substantial employment. Actuaries $80,000-$180,000+, underwriters $55,000-$100,000.
Healthcare
UW Health and Froedtert/Medical College of Wisconsin lead major health systems. Physicians $240,000-$450,000+, nurses $60,000-$85,000.
| Industry | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare IT (Epic) | $70,000 | $100,000 | $140,000+ |
| Manufacturing Engineering | $65,000 | $90,000 | $125,000+ |
| Insurance/Actuarial | $65,000 | $110,000 | $180,000+ |
| Nursing (RN) | $55,000 | $70,000 | $85,000+ |
Wisconsin Tax Analysis
State Income Tax Brackets (2025)
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $13,810 | 3.5% |
| $13,811 – $27,630 | 4.4% |
| $27,631 – $304,170 | 5.3% |
| $304,171+ | 7.65% |
Wisconsin's top rate of 7.65% is higher than many states, but only applies to income above $304,000. Most workers pay the 5.3% bracket. Combined with low cost of living, net purchasing power remains strong.
Tax Comparison
| Salary | WI Tax | CA Tax | Savings vs CA |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | ~$3,500 | ~$4,800 | $1,300 |
| $100,000 | ~$4,800 | ~$7,100 | $2,300 |
| $150,000 | ~$7,500 | ~$12,500 | $5,000 |
Property taxes average 1.73%—among the highest nationally. However, low home prices mean actual tax bills are manageable.
Wisconsin Cost of Living Analysis
| Expense | Wisconsin | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Index | 82 | 100 |
| Median Home Price | $280,000 | $420,000 |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,150 | $1,400 |
| Groceries Index | 97 | 100 |
| Utilities Index | 99 | 100 |
Housing by Metro
| Area | Median Home | Median Rent (2BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $285,000 | $1,200 |
| Madison | $400,000 | $1,500 |
| Green Bay | $235,000 | $1,000 |
| Fox Valley | $260,000 | $1,050 |
A $70,000 salary in Wisconsin provides equivalent purchasing power to approximately $95,000 in Denver or $120,000 in Seattle.
Highest Paying Jobs in Wisconsin 2025
| Occupation | Average Salary | Top 10% Earn |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians/Surgeons | $280,000 | $450,000+ |
| Dentists | $175,000 | $270,000+ |
| Actuaries | $125,000 | $185,000+ |
| IT Directors | $130,000 | $175,000+ |
| Software Engineers | $100,000 | $140,000+ |
| Pharmacists | $125,000 | $150,000+ |
| Financial Managers | $115,000 | $165,000+ |
| Engineering Managers | $130,000 | $170,000+ |
Epic Systems Deep Dive
Epic Systems dominates Madison's tech landscape and deserves special attention for job seekers:
About Epic
Epic creates electronic health record (EHR) software used by major hospitals nationwide. The Verona campus (near Madison) houses 10,000+ employees in an architecturally distinctive setting.
Epic Salaries (2025)
| Role | Entry | Senior |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $85,000 | $140,000+ |
| Technical Solutions Engineer | $70,000 | $110,000+ |
| Implementation Consultant | $65,000 | $100,000+ |
| Quality Assurance | $60,000 | $90,000+ |
| Project Manager | $75,000 | $120,000+ |
Epic Culture Notes
Epic is known for hiring new graduates directly from college with extensive on-the-job training. The company culture is intense—long hours during implementations. Travel requirements vary by role (implementation consultants travel heavily). Benefits are strong, and the campus amenities are exceptional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wisconsin a good state for salary vs. cost of living?
Excellent. Wisconsin's salary-to-cost ratio ranks among the nation's best. A $75,000 Wisconsin salary often provides better quality of life than $100,000+ in coastal metros. Housing affordability is the primary driver.
Milwaukee vs. Madison: which is better for careers?
Depends on your field. Madison dominates in tech (Epic), government, and education. Milwaukee offers broader manufacturing, insurance, and healthcare options. Madison has higher incomes but higher costs. Milwaukee has more affordable housing and urban amenities.
What's quality of life like in Wisconsin?
Excellent for those who embrace Midwest culture. Strong communities, excellent schools (particularly in suburbs), affordable housing, outdoor recreation (lakes, skiing, hunting). Winters are cold and long (November-March). The culture values modesty, friendliness, and work ethic.
Is Epic a good employer?
Epic offers strong salaries, benefits, and career development. The culture is demanding—long hours during implementations, high expectations. Travel varies by role. Many employees value the training and exit to other healthcare IT roles. Research current Glassdoor reviews for updated perspectives.
How cold is Wisconsin really?
Cold. January averages 15-25°F depending on location; subzero temperatures are common. Snow typically covers the ground from December through March. Those from warm climates should visit in January before committing. That said, Wisconsinites embrace winter with skiing, ice fishing, and robust indoor social culture.