Paralegal Salary

Madison vs Menomonie: Paralegal Salary (2026)

Compare paralegal salaries between Madison, WI and Menomonie, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Madison, WI
$62,934
$30.26/hr
Menomonie, WI
$50,604
$24.32/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMadison, WIMenomonie, WI
Median Salary$62,934$50,604
Hourly Rate$30.26$24.32
Entry Level (P10)$49,188$37,157
25th Percentile$50,057$40,558
75th Percentile$76,618$62,164
Top Earner (P90)$85,675$75,923
Total Employed8504
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Madison ($62,934) and Menomonie ($50,604) paralegal salaries.MadisonMenomonieMedian Salary$62,934$50,604Entry Level (P10)$49,188$37,157Top Earner (P90)$85,675$75,923US Median $65,097

Verdict

Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Menomonie.

The salary gap between Madison and Menomonie is $12,330 (24.37%). 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 Madison spans $36,487,Menomonie spans $38,766. Menomonie has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced paralegals.

Madison
P10 (Entry)$49,188
P25$50,057
Median$62,934
P75$76,618
P90 (Top)$85,675
Menomonie
P10 (Entry)$37,157
P25$40,558
Median$50,604
P75$62,164
P90 (Top)$75,923

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($64,689 effective) pays 19.40% more than Menomonie ($54,180 effective).

Madison
Nominal: $62,934
CoL Index: 97.287
Adjusted: $64,689
Menomonie
Nominal: $50,604
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $54,180

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 ($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

Choose Menomonie if…

  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Madison grew 5.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.5% growth in Menomonie over the same period.

Madison, WI

+5.6%

$57,590 (2019) → $60,800 (2025)

Menomonie, WI

+-1.5%

$49,632 (2024) → $48,888 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays paralegals more: Madison or Menomonie?

Madison has a higher median paralegal salary at $62,934/year, compared to Menomonie at $50,604/year — a difference of $12,330 (24.37%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Menomonie?

Madison paralegals earn $30.26/hr while Menomonie hygienists earn $24.32/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Madison to Menomonie as a paralegal?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Madison and Menomonie. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Madison = $64,689, Menomonie = $54,180), job availability (850 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level paralegals earn in Madison vs Menomonie?

Entry-level (10th percentile) paralegals earn $49,188 in Madison and $37,157 in Menomonie. The Madison area offers higher starting salaries.
JT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Garcia, CLAData verified by Ayesha Khan, CP

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