Madison vs Onalaska: Insurance Agent Salary (2026)
Compare insurance agent salaries between Madison, WI and Onalaska, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Onalaska, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,605 | $84,306▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.20 | $40.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,572 | $52,053▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,186 | $67,130▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,283▲ | $107,911 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,814▲ | $130,674 |
| Total Employed | 1,090▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Madison and Onalaska are closely matched on overall insurance agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Madison and Onalaska is $701 (0.84%). Onalaska's median is +30.66% compared to the US national median of $64,522.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $106,242,Onalaska spans $78,621. 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, Onalaska ($90,263 effective) pays 5.04% more than Madison ($85,936 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($157,814)
- ✓Larger job market (1,090 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Onalaska if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,306/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,263)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, insurance agent salaries in Madison grew 19.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 47.5% growth in Onalaska over the same period.
Madison, WI
$67,750 (2019) → $80,700 (2025)
Onalaska, WI
$55,163 (2024) → $81,376 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Onalaska, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays insurance agents more: Madison or Onalaska?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Onalaska?
Should I relocate from Madison to Onalaska as a insurance agent?
What do entry-level insurance agents earn in Madison vs Onalaska?
Written by Jordan Lee, MBA
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. He specializes in property and casualty insurance. He has worked in both agency and corporate settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.60% 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, MBA, a licensed insurance agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov