Madison vs Wausau: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Madison, WI and Wausau, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Wausau, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,297▲ | $91,791 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.62▲ | $44.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,793▲ | $81,507 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,095▲ | $82,913 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,462▲ | $102,442 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,649▲ | $104,762 |
| Total Employed | 680▲ | 150 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wausau.
The salary gap between Madison and Wausau is $13,506 (14.71%). 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 Madison spans $22,856,Wausau spans $23,255. Wausau has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($108,233 effective) pays 9.25% more than Wausau ($99,072 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 ($105,297/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,649)
- ✓Larger job market (680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,233)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Wausau if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Madison grew 35.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 37.5% growth in Wausau over the same period.
Madison, WI
$74,260 (2020) → $100,340 (2025)
Wausau, WI
$63,630 (2020) → $87,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Wausau, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Madison or Wausau?
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Should I relocate from Madison to Wausau as a dental hygienist?
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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