Animal Scientists Salary in Madison, WI
The median pay for a animal scientists in Madison, WI is $81,330/year ($39.1/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $65K at the entry level to $131K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 97.29), that's roughly $83,595 in purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $1,168/month, or 22.7% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $81K get you in Madison?
About animal scientists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Madison, WI
Entry-level animal scientists (10th percentile) start around $65K. Mid-career wages sit at $81K.Top earners bring in $131K or more - a $66K spread from bottom to top.
Animal Scientists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $138K | +74% | 60 |
| Missouri | $119K | +51% | N/A |
| Georgia | $115K | +45% | 60 |
| Iowa | $96K | +21% | 130 |
| New York | $87K | +10% | N/A |
| Texas | $84K | +6% | 60 |
| Wisconsin | $80K | +1% | 230 |
| Washington | $79K | -1% | 40 |
| Pennsylvania | $77K | -3% | 90 |
| Maryland | $74K | -7% | 200 |
| Ohio | $62K | -22% | 40 |
| Illinois | $61K | -23% | 160 |
| Florida | $58K | -27% | 40 |
| South Dakota | $56K | -29% | 80 |
| Michigan | $51K | -35% | 120 |
Track animal scientists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Madison numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do animal scientists make in Madison, WI?
The median is $81,330 a year - that works out to about $39.1 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $64,940, and experienced animal scientists can clear $130,630. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $81K enough to live in Madison?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,195/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,168/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 22.5% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a animal scientists salary go in Madison?
Madison has a Regional Price Parity of 97.29 (100 is the national average). That's below average - your money stretches further here than the raw salary number suggests. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median animal scientists salary is worth about $83,595 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do animal scientists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.