Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Madison, WI
In Madison, WI, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $79,380. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, suggesting that while Madison offers a strong presence in these fields, compensation may be influenced by local economic factors and the specific industry mix within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $79,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $121,250.
- Outlook: Madison, WI boasts a significant concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science professionals, with a total local workforce of 8,270 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.17 indicates a robust presence, more than double the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for these specialized skills within the local job market.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Madison, WI earns-13.6%below the national average.
$38.2
$1,527
$6,615
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Madison, WI have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is likely driven by increasing demand for scientific expertise, advancements in research and development, and the overall economic expansion within the state.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Madison, WI
Career progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Madison, WI is typically marked by a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and leadership responsibilities can command salaries considerably higher than the average, reflecting the value of accumulated expertise and demonstrated impact.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $48,610 | $23.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $59,535 | $28.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $75,370 | $36.2 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $99,225 | $47.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $121,250 | $58.3 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$79,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$79,380
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $79,380 in Madison, WI aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Madison-based scientist's salary is equivalent to that of a scientist earning the national average in a location with average living expenses, offering a stable financial foundation.
Job Market Context
8,270
Total Jobs
20.404
Per 1K Jobs
2.17
Location Quotient
Madison, WI has 2.2x the national concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 2.17, Madison, WI demonstrates a substantial concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations compared to the national average. This high quotient suggests a specialized and potentially competitive job market where employers actively seek talent in these fields, and professionals may find numerous opportunities for career advancement.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Janesville-Beloit, WI Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $82,330↑ 4% | 33 mi |
| Rockford, IL Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $82,500↑ 4% | 59 mi |
| Fond du Lac, WI Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $73,780↓ 7% | 68 mi |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $83,410↑ 5% | 72 mi |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $79,110↓ 0% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Madison, WI
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Madison, WI?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Madison, WI is $79,380. This typically ranges from $48,610 for entry-level positions to $121,250 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Madison, WI is 13.6% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Madison, WI a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary of $79,380 is below the national average, the strong concentration (LQ 2.17) and national average cost of living suggest a stable and opportunity-rich environment for these professionals.
Is Madison, WI a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Madison, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Madison, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Janesville-Beloit, WI ($82,330) and Rockford, IL.
How does Madison's salary compare to the national average for these science roles?
The average annual salary in Madison, WI for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations is $79,380, which is lower than the national average of $91,840.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.17 mean for science jobs in Madison?
A Location Quotient of 2.17 signifies that Madison has more than double the concentration of these science occupations compared to the national average, indicating a strong local industry presence.
How does the cost of living in Madison affect the salary?
Madison's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $79,380 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a location with average living costs.
What is the total number of Life, Physical, and Social Science professionals in Madison?
There are approximately 8,270 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations within the Madison, WI workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,270 employees in the Madison, WI area with a job density of 20.404 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Madison, WI