Madison vs Wausau: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist 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 | $90,357▲ | $81,143 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.45▲ | $39.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,323▲ | $63,621 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,599▲ | $74,186 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,505▲ | $97,428 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,195▲ | $104,427 |
| Total Employed | 410▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wausau.
The salary gap between Madison and Wausau is $9,214 (11.36%). Madison's median is -11.22% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $56,872,Wausau spans $40,806. 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, Madison ($92,877 effective) pays 6.05% more than Wausau ($87,579 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 ($90,357/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,195)
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,877)
- ✓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, speech-language pathologist salaries in Madison grew 17.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.9% growth in Wausau over the same period.
Madison, WI
$74,010 (2019) → $86,890 (2025)
Wausau, WI
$62,470 (2019) → $78,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Wausau, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Madison or Wausau?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Wausau?
Should I relocate from Madison to Wausau as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Madison vs Wausau?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov