Appleton vs Madison: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Appleton, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $407,940▲ | $141,792 |
| Hourly Rate | $196.13▲ | $68.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $236,605▲ | $85,008 |
| 25th Percentile | $293,717▲ | $85,008 |
| 75th Percentile | $482,467▲ | $308,396 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $559,812 | $705,359▲ |
| Total Employed | 17 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Appleton and Madison are closely matched on overall radiologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Appleton and Madison is $266,148 (187.70%). Appleton's median is -7.69% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $323,207,Madison spans $620,351. Madison has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Appleton ($436,767 effective) pays 199.68% more than Madison ($145,746 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Appleton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($407,940/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $436,767)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($705,359)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Appleton grew 7.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -63.6% growth in Madison over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$360,026 (2024) → $388,514 (2025)
Madison, WI
$371,241 (2024) → $135,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.00% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov