Brookfield vs Madison: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Brookfield, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brookfield, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,042 | $121,616▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.87 | $58.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,985 | $86,644▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $90,952 | $107,059▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $138,332 | $151,943▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,666▲ | $170,870 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 420▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brookfield.
The salary gap between Brookfield and Madison is $9,574 (8.55%). Madison's median is -11.45% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brookfield spans $108,681,Madison spans $84,226. Brookfield 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 ($125,007 effective) pays 4.21% more than Brookfield ($119,959 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brookfield if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($173,666)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($121,616/year)
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,007)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Brookfield grew 1.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 49.4% growth in Madison over the same period.
Brookfield, WI
$104,682 (2024) → $106,141 (2025)
Madison, WI
$77,120 (2019) → $115,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brookfield, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Brookfield or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brookfield and Madison?
Should I relocate from Brookfield to Madison as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Brookfield vs Madison?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov