Public Health Officer.
Madison.
$72,000
median salary, 8% below the national average
$55,000 to $94,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Public Health Officer pay in Madison ranges from $55,000 to $94,000 in 2026. The median is $72,000, 8% below the national average. Madison is a growing tech hub anchored by the University of Wisconsin and Epic Systems, one of the largest health IT companies. Every dollar in that range is negotiable if you come prepared.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $65,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$47,000
to $58,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$61,000
to $76,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$79,000
to $94,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$90,000
to $112,000
Salary trend
+6% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $14,000 to the total package.
Base
$72,000
Equity
$8,000
Bonus
$5,000
Signing
$1,000
Estimated total: $86,000
How Madison compares
Madison, WI
$72,000
Cost of living: 5% below average
National Average
$78,000
Madison is $6,000 below
Public Health Officer salary by city
Salary by role in Madison
What you should know
If you are interviewing for Public Health Officer roles in Madison, here is what you are walking into. Madison is a growing tech hub anchored by the University of Wisconsin and Epic Systems, one of the largest health IT companies. The city consistently ranks among the best places to live and has a thriving startup ecosystem. Salaries are competitive relative to the modest cost of living. Degree level and jurisdictional scope are the primary drivers. MPH holders earn 15 to 25% more than bachelor's-level staff, and MD or DrPH credentials push salaries higher. Federal agencies (CDC, NIH) pay more than state or local health departments. Epidemiology and biostatistics specializations command premiums over general public health administration.
Entry-level public health analysts start at $60,000 to $70,000. Mid-level epidemiologists and program managers earn $78,000 to $102,000 after four to six years. Health department directors reach $110,000 to $150,000, with state health officers earning $140,000 to $200,000. In Madison, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. Federal public health officers receive GS-scale pay, locality adjustments, TSP retirement matching, and generous leave accrual. Commissioned Corps officers in the USPHS receive military-equivalent benefits including tax-free housing allowances and early retirement eligibility. And on the tax side: wisconsin's top income tax rate is 7.65%. Madison has no city income tax. The moderate state rate is offset by the affordable cost of living and strong employer base. When someone quotes you $72,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Reference Epic Systems compensation benchmarks. Epic sets the salary standard for tech in Madison and most employers in the area compete against their packages. The range for Public Health Officers in Madison runs from $55,000 to $94,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Video Producer in Madison earns $71,000 (1% less)
- The highest-paying role in Madison is Distinguished Engineer at $307,000
Common questions.
Public Health Officer salary in other cities
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