Vet Tech salary

Madison vs Middleton: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between Madison, WI and Middleton, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Madison, WI
$50,893
$24.47/hr
Middleton, WI
$45,731
$21.99/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMadison, WIMiddleton, WI
Median Salary$50,893$45,731
Hourly Rate$24.47$21.99
Entry Level (P10)$41,514$37,511
25th Percentile$48,214$38,996
75th Percentile$59,302$54,951
Top Earner (P90)$64,977$58,625
Total Employed6206
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Madison ($50,893) and Middleton ($45,731) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.MadisonMiddletonMedian Salary$50,893$45,731Entry Level (P10)$41,514$37,511Top Earner (P90)$64,977$58,625US Median $49,986

Verdict

Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Middleton.

The salary gap between Madison and Middleton is $5,162 (11.29%). Madison's median is +1.81% compared to the US national median of $49,986.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $23,463,Middleton spans $21,114. Madison has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Madison
P10 (Entry)$41,514
P25$48,214
Median$50,893
P75$59,302
P90 (Top)$64,977
Middleton
P10 (Entry)$37,511
P25$38,996
Median$45,731
P75$54,951
P90 (Top)$58,625

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($52,312 effective) pays 6.84% more than Middleton ($48,963 effective).

Madison
Nominal: $50,893
CoL Index: 97.287
Adjusted: $52,312
Middleton
Nominal: $45,731
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $48,963

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Madison if…

  • Higher median salary ($50,893/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($64,977)
  • Larger job market (620 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,312)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Middleton if…

  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in Madison grew 26.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.1% growth in Middleton over the same period.

Madison, WI

+26.5%

$38,120 (2019) → $48,240 (2025)

Middleton, WI

+32.1%

$32,814 (2024) → $43,347 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: Madison or Middleton?

Madison has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $50,893/year, compared to Middleton at $45,731/year — a difference of $5,162 (11.29%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Middleton?

Madison veterinary technologist and technicians earn $24.47/hr while Middleton hygienists earn $21.99/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Madison to Middleton as a veterinary technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Madison and Middleton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Madison = $52,312, Middleton = $48,963), job availability (620 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in Madison vs Middleton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $41,514 in Madison and $37,511 in Middleton. The Madison area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, CVT

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Patel, RVTData verified by Mark Chen, LVT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov