How does a Writer's salary in Madison compare to the rest of Wisconsin?

Madison's cost of living index is 102 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted upward accordingly. A Writer earning the city-adjusted median of $75,164 earns $964 more than the median household income in Madison ($74,200).

Writer 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.

Writer Salary in Madison — Key Numbers

$75,164

Median Salary

$47,818

25th Percentile

$116,770

75th Percentile

$171,166

90th Percentile

National median (Writer)$73,690

vs. National median+2.0%

Madison median household income$74,200

vs. City household income+1.3%

Cost of Living in Madison

Cost of Living Index

102(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$1,499/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio23.9%

Annual rent cost$17,988

Median Home Price$380,000

Home Price / Salary5.1×

20% Down Payment$76,000

Years to save (20% rate)5.1 yrs

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

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.

Financial Calculators for Madison

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Cost of Living — Madison

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Writer Salary in Wisconsin

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Madison

Physician$233,886 Chief Executive Officer$214,200 Dentist$179,020 IT Manager$172,900 Marketing Manager$160,772 Lawyer$148,675

Writer Salary — Other Wisconsin Cities

Milwaukee, WI$66,321

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Writer make in Madison, WI?

The estimated median salary for a Writer in Madison is $75,164 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $73,690 adjusted by Madison's cost of living index (102). The typical salary range runs from $47,818 (25th percentile) to $116,770 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $171,166.

Is Madison affordable for a Writer?

On a $75,164 annual salary, a Writer in Madison would spend approximately 23.9% 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 5.1× the annual salary.

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

Madison's median household income is $74,200. A Writer earning the city-adjusted median of $75,164 earns 1.3% more than the typical Madison household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Writer — National Writer in Wisconsin All Salary Guides

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.