Vet Tech salary

Madison vs South Milwaukee: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

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

Madison, WI
$50,893
$24.47/hr
South Milwaukee, WI
$46,993
$22.59/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMadison, WISouth Milwaukee, WI
Median Salary$50,893$46,993
Hourly Rate$24.47$22.59
Entry Level (P10)$41,514$36,716
25th Percentile$48,214$38,742
75th Percentile$59,302$54,219
Top Earner (P90)$64,977$61,028
Total Employed6206
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Madison ($50,893) and South Milwaukee ($46,993) veterinary technologist and technician salaries.MadisonSouth MilwaukeeMedian Salary$50,893$46,993Entry Level (P10)$41,514$36,716Top Earner (P90)$64,977$61,028US Median $49,986

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Madison and South Milwaukee is $3,900 (8.30%). 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,South Milwaukee spans $24,312. South Milwaukee has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinary technologist and technicians.

Madison
P10 (Entry)$41,514
P25$48,214
Median$50,893
P75$59,302
P90 (Top)$64,977
South Milwaukee
P10 (Entry)$36,716
P25$38,742
Median$46,993
P75$54,219
P90 (Top)$61,028

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($52,312 effective) pays 3.97% more than South Milwaukee ($50,314 effective).

Madison
Nominal: $50,893
CoL Index: 97.287
Adjusted: $52,312
South Milwaukee
Nominal: $46,993
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $50,314

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 South Milwaukee 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 South Milwaukee over the same period.

Madison, WI

+26.5%

$38,120 (2019) → $48,240 (2025)

South Milwaukee, WI

+32.1%

$33,719 (2024) → $44,543 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Madison has a higher median veterinary technologist and technician salary at $50,893/year, compared to South Milwaukee at $46,993/year — a difference of $3,900 (8.30%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and South Milwaukee?

Madison veterinary technologist and technicians earn $24.47/hr while South Milwaukee hygienists earn $22.59/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Madison and South Milwaukee. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Madison = $52,312, South Milwaukee = $50,314), job availability (620 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) veterinary technologist and technicians earn $41,514 in Madison and $36,716 in South Milwaukee. 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