Software Developer Salary in Madison, WI — 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.
Software Developer Salary in Madison — Key Numbers
Cost of Living in Madison
Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.
Job Market in Madison
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.
Financial Calculators for Madison
Other Professions in Madison
Software Developer Salary — Other Wisconsin Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Developer make in Madison, WI?
The estimated median salary for a Software Developer in Madison is $132,763 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $130,160 adjusted by Madison's cost of living index (102). The typical salary range runs from $101,796 (25th percentile) to $171,941 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $212,792.
Is Madison affordable for a Software Developer?
On a $132,763 annual salary, a Software Developer in Madison would spend approximately 13.5% 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 2.9× the annual salary.
How does a Software Developer's salary compare to Madison's overall income?
Madison's median household income is $74,200. A Software Developer earning the city-adjusted median of $132,763 earns 78.9% more than the typical Madison household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.
Explore More Salary Data
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.