Appleton vs Madison: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Appleton, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $119,522 | $130,158▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $57.47 | $62.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,323▲ | $54,222 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,056▲ | $80,305 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,988 | $223,407▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $185,259 | $524,031▲ |
| Total Employed | 17 | 590▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Appleton.
The salary gap between Appleton and Madison is $10,636 (8.90%). Madison's median is +19.92% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $115,936,Madison spans $469,809. Madison has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced financial advisors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($133,788 effective) pays 4.55% more than Appleton ($127,968 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Appleton if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($130,158/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($524,031)
- ✓Larger job market (590 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,788)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Appleton grew 48.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.2% growth in Madison over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$77,840 (2019) → $115,704 (2025)
Madison, WI
$102,310 (2019) → $126,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Appleton or Madison?
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Should I relocate from Appleton to Madison as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Appleton vs Madison?
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Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.30% 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, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov