Madison vs South Milwaukee: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Madison, WI and South Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | South Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,957▲ | $55,449 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.23▲ | $26.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,306▲ | $32,160 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,885▲ | $39,923 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,133▲ | $70,975 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,051▲ | $85,946 |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for ux designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Milwaukee.
The salary gap between Madison and South Milwaukee is $9,508 (17.15%). Madison's median is -22.04% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $50,745,South Milwaukee spans $53,786. South Milwaukee has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ux designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($66,768 effective) pays 12.47% more than South Milwaukee ($59,367 effective).
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 ($64,957/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,051)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,768)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose South Milwaukee if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Madison grew -6.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -35.5% growth in South Milwaukee over the same period.
Madison, WI
$65,120 (2021) → $60,810 (2025)
South Milwaukee, WI
$80,481 (2024) → $51,909 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
South Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Madison or South Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and South Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Madison to South Milwaukee as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Madison vs South Milwaukee?
Written by Maria Chen, MDes
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in user experience design. She specializes in usability testing and user research. Maria has worked with tech companies and startups.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.82% 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 Maria Chen, MDes, a licensed ux designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov