Appleton vs Madison: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Appleton, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,283 | $106,563▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.88 | $51.23▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,287 | $86,101▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,995 | $91,904▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,721 | $108,627▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,819 | $129,784▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,310 | 10,650▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Appleton.
The salary gap between Appleton and Madison is $15,280 (16.74%). Madison's median is +3.73% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $36,532,Madison spans $43,683. Madison has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($109,535 effective) pays 10.90% more than Appleton ($98,771 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Appleton if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,563/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,784)
- ✓Larger job market (10,650 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,535)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Appleton grew 27.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.2% growth in Madison over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$68,220 (2019) → $86,680 (2025)
Madison, WI
$78,960 (2019) → $101,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Appleton or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Appleton and Madison?
Should I relocate from Appleton to Madison as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Appleton vs Madison?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov