Madison vs West Bend: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Madison, WI and West Bend, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | West Bend, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,219▲ | $47,068 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.66▲ | $22.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,538▲ | $37,400 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,006▲ | $38,623 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,087▲ | $49,574 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,445▲ | $58,632 |
| Total Employed | 1,530▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Bend.
The salary gap between Madison and West Bend is $2,151 (4.57%). Madison's median is +2.03% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $25,907,West Bend spans $21,232. Madison has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($50,592 effective) pays 0.39% more than West Bend ($50,394 effective).
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 ($49,219/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,445)
- ✓Larger job market (1,530 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,592)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose West Bend if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Madison grew 29.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.6% growth in West Bend over the same period.
Madison, WI
$36,130 (2019) → $46,680 (2025)
West Bend, WI
$36,710 (2024) → $44,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
West Bend, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.44% 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 Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov