Software Developers Salary in Madison, WI

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Madison, WI

Median annual salary $104,670 -21.3% vs national
Median hourly $50.32
10th percentile $79,090
90th percentile $157,800
Employed locally 6,380
National median $133,080

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Software Developers
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Madison, WI
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    In Madison, WI, software developers earn a median annual salary of $104,670, which is slightly below the national median of $133,080 for this occupation. This local earning level is significantly higher than the area's median household income of $86,827, indicating that software developers in Madison enjoy financial compensation well above the typical earnings of households within the same region. The disparity between these figures highlights the relatively high demand and value placed on technical expertise in this field compared to other occupations in the area.

    Entry-level software developers in Madison typically earn around the 10th percentile at $79,090 annually, while those with more experience can reach salaries at or beyond the 75th percentile, earning up to $129,760. This substantial difference is primarily driven by factors such as accumulated skills, years of experience, and specialized knowledge that experienced developers bring to their roles. Additionally, performance, project complexity, and industry demand can also influence salary variations among software developers, with higher earnings often reflecting the increased value an individual contributes through advanced problem-solving capabilities or leadership in technology-driven projects.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $79,090
    25th
    $97,460
    50th (median)
    $104,670
    75th
    $129,760
    90th
    $157,800

    Madison economic context

    Unemployment rate 2.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $86,827 2023 • Census ACS
    Software Developers salary vs area income 121% Median Software Developers salary is 21% above the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Software Developers make per hour in Madison?

    The median hourly wage for Software Developers in Madison, WI is $50.32, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $82.35 or more per hour.

    Is Madison above or below average for Software Developers salaries?

    The median Software Developers salary in Madison, WI is 21.3% below the national median of $133,080. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Software Developers in Madison?

    Entry-level Software Developers (10th percentile) earn around $79,090 per year in Madison, WI. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $97,460.