Madison vs Wausau: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Madison, WI and Wausau, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Wausau, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,158▲ | $103,816 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.58▲ | $49.91 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,222▲ | $48,675 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,305▲ | $71,618 |
| 75th Percentile | $223,407▲ | $181,199 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $524,031▲ | $393,862 |
| Total Employed | 590▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wausau.
The salary gap between Madison and Wausau is $26,342 (25.37%). 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 Madison spans $469,809,Wausau spans $345,187. 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 ($133,788 effective) pays 19.40% more than Wausau ($112,051 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 ($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
Choose Wausau if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Madison grew 23.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.4% growth in Wausau over the same period.
Madison, WI
$102,310 (2019) → $126,000 (2025)
Wausau, WI
$78,290 (2019) → $100,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Wausau, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
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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