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Real Estate Agent 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.

Real Estate Agent Salary in Madison β€” Key Numbers

$55,386
Median Salary
$32,722
25th Percentile
$95,227
75th Percentile
$162,404
90th Percentile
National median (Real Estate Agent)$54,300
vs. National median+2.0%
Madison median household income$74,200
vs. City household income-25.4%

Cost of Living in Madison

Cost of Living Index
102(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,499/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio32.5%
Annual rent cost$17,988
Median Home Price$380,000
Home Price / Salary6.9Γ—
20% Down Payment$76,000
Years to save (20% rate)6.9 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.

Real Estate Agent Salary β€” Other Wisconsin Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Real Estate Agent make in Madison, WI?

The estimated median salary for a Real Estate Agent in Madison is $55,386 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $54,300 adjusted by Madison's cost of living index (102). The typical salary range runs from $32,722 (25th percentile) to $95,227 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $162,404.

Is Madison affordable for a Real Estate Agent?

On a $55,386 annual salary, a Real Estate Agent in Madison would spend approximately 32.5% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,499/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $380,000 is 6.9Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Real Estate Agent's salary compare to Madison's overall income?

Madison's median household income is $74,200. A Real Estate Agent earning the city-adjusted median of $55,386 earns 25.4% less than the typical Madison household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Madison has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

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.