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Software Engineer Salary in Madison, WI

How much does a software engineer make in Madison? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Madison's cost of living.

Median Salary
$103,926
per year in Madison
Entry Level
$65,267
Starting salary
Senior Level
$140,576
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
103
3% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how software engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Madison.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$65,267$103,926$140,576
Monthly$5,439$8,661$11,715
Biweekly$2,510$3,997$5,407
Weekly$1,255$1,999$2,703
Hourly$31$50$68

Madison vs National Average

How Madison's software engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Madison Salary
$103,926
COL Index: 103
National Average
$112,110
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$8,184
Lower in Madison

Cost of Living in Madison

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,350
per month
Median Income
$57,456
per year
Population
269,840
residents
Rent % of Income
28.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 103 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Madison have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Software Engineer

Overview

Design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Key Skills

JavaScriptPythonSystem DesignAlgorithms

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +25% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Software Engineer Salary

See Software Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$161,970
+56%
Los Angeles, CA
$155,330
+49%
Chicago, IL
$130,030
+25%
Houston, TX
$127,940
+23%
Phoenix, AZ
$129,600
+25%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Software Engineer Salary in Madison, WI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a software engineer in Madison, WI is $103,926 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 103. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Madison's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level software engineer professionals in Madison can expect to earn around $65,267 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level software engineers earning approximately $140,576 per year. This represents a 115% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Madison's cost of living index of 103 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Madison are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $112,110, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a software engineer's salary in Madison typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,350 per month, housing represents about 15.6% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Software Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 25% over the next decade. In Madison, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.