Franklin vs Madison: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Franklin, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Franklin, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,267 | $62,934▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.65 | $30.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,153 | $49,188▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,284 | $50,057▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,864 | $76,618▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,465 | $85,675▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 850▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Franklin.
The salary gap between Franklin and Madison is $11,667 (22.76%). Madison's median is -3.32% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Franklin spans $40,312,Madison spans $36,487. Franklin 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 ($64,689 effective) pays 17.85% more than Franklin ($54,890 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Franklin if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,934/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,675)
- ✓Larger job market (850 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,689)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Franklin grew -1.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.6% growth in Madison over the same period.
Franklin, WI
$50,282 (2024) → $49,529 (2025)
Madison, WI
$57,590 (2019) → $60,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Franklin, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Franklin or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Franklin and Madison?
Should I relocate from Franklin to Madison as a paralegal?
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Written by Jessica Tran, JD
Career Analyst
Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.51% 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 Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov