Milwaukee vs Madison: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Milwaukee, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,873▲ | $49,219 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.98▲ | $23.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,602▲ | $38,538 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,552 | $41,006▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $54,354▲ | $52,087 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,202 | $64,445▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,170▲ | 1,530 |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Madison.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and Madison is $654 (1.33%). Milwaukee's median is +3.39% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Milwaukee spans $25,600,Madison spans $25,907. Madison has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacy technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($51,449 effective) pays 1.69% more than Madison ($50,592 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,873/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,449)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,445)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Milwaukee grew 36.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.2% growth in Madison over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$34,760 (2019) → $47,300 (2025)
Madison, WI
$36,130 (2019) → $46,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Milwaukee or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Madison?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to Madison as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Milwaukee vs Madison?
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