Caledonia vs Madison: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Caledonia, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Caledonia, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,571 | $105,297▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.91 | $50.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,962 | $87,793▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,777 | $99,095▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,114▲ | $106,462 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,949▲ | $110,649 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 680▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Caledonia.
The salary gap between Caledonia and Madison is $7,726 (7.92%). Madison's median is +2.28% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Caledonia spans $50,987,Madison spans $22,856. Caledonia 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 ($108,233 effective) pays 3.61% more than Caledonia ($104,466 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Caledonia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($123,949)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,297/year)
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,233)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Caledonia grew 35.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 35.1% growth in Madison over the same period.
Caledonia, WI
$68,405 (2020) → $92,978 (2025)
Madison, WI
$74,260 (2020) → $100,340 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Caledonia, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Caledonia or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Caledonia and Madison?
Should I relocate from Caledonia to Madison as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Caledonia vs Madison?
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov