Skip to main content

Accountant Salary in Madison, WI β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Madison's cost of living (index: 102). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Accountant Salary in Madison β€” Key Numbers

$81,478
Median Salary
$59,731
25th Percentile
$111,670
75th Percentile
$147,482
90th Percentile
National median (Accountant)$79,880
vs. National median+2.0%
Madison median household income$74,200
vs. City household income+9.8%

Cost of Living in Madison

Cost of Living Index
102(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,499/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio22.1%
Annual rent cost$17,988
Median Home Price$380,000
Home Price / Salary4.7Γ—
20% Down Payment$76,000
Years to save (20% rate)4.7 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Madison

2.4%
Unemployment Rate
680,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
31.6
Median Age

Madison has a metro population of 680,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 2.4% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Accountant Salary β€” Other Wisconsin Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Accountant make in Madison, WI?

The estimated median salary for a Accountant in Madison is $81,478 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $79,880 adjusted by Madison's cost of living index (102). The typical salary range runs from $59,731 (25th percentile) to $111,670 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $147,482.

Is Madison affordable for a Accountant?

On a $81,478 annual salary, a Accountant in Madison would spend approximately 22.1% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,499/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Madison relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $380,000 is 4.7Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Accountant's salary compare to Madison's overall income?

Madison's median household income is $74,200. A Accountant earning the city-adjusted median of $81,478 earns 9.8% more than the typical Madison household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.