Madison vs River Falls: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Madison, WI and River Falls, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | River Falls, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,306▲ | $82,268 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.97▲ | $39.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,527 | $57,724▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,988 | $67,286▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $110,076▲ | $105,303 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,376 | $127,515▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,590▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to River Falls.
The salary gap between Madison and River Falls is $5,038 (6.12%). Madison's median is +33.48% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $76,849,River Falls spans $69,791. 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, Madison ($89,741 effective) pays 1.88% more than River Falls ($88,081 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,306/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,590 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,741)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose River Falls if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,515)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Madison grew 40.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.6% growth in River Falls over the same period.
Madison, WI
$60,740 (2019) → $85,160 (2025)
River Falls, WI
$63,367 (2024) → $80,246 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
River Falls, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Madison or River Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and River Falls?
Should I relocate from Madison to River Falls as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Madison vs River Falls?
Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov