Madison vs Milwaukee: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Madison, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,185 | $80,689▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.59 | $38.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,997▲ | $63,898 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,242 | $68,345▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $85,603 | $88,284▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,144▲ | $95,817 |
| Total Employed | 300 | 360▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Madison.
The salary gap between Madison and Milwaukee is $2,504 (3.20%). Milwaukee's median is +1.65% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $36,147,Milwaukee spans $31,919. 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, Milwaukee ($83,239 effective) pays 3.58% more than Madison ($80,365 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,144)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,689/year)
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,239)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Madison grew 24.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.4% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Madison, WI
$60,630 (2019) → $75,250 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$57,350 (2019) → $77,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Madison or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Madison to Milwaukee as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Madison vs Milwaukee?
Written by Aisha Patel, MS, RD
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a nutrition consultant. She specializes in sports nutrition. Aisha works with professional athletes and teams.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.90% 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 Aisha Patel, MS, RD, a licensed dietitian and nutritionist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov