Madison vs Wisconsin Rapids: Court Reporter Salary (2026)
Compare court reporter salaries between Madison, WI and Wisconsin Rapids, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Wisconsin Rapids, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,518▲ | $56,243 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.05▲ | $27.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,260▲ | $35,064 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,060▲ | $41,546 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,023▲ | $71,991 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,902▲ | $87,176 |
| Total Employed | 64▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for court reporters, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wisconsin Rapids.
The salary gap between Madison and Wisconsin Rapids is $6,275 (11.16%). Madison's median is -16.41% compared to the US national median of $74,788.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $60,642,Wisconsin Rapids spans $52,112. 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 ($66,936 effective) pays 11.16% more than Wisconsin Rapids ($60,217 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 ($62,518/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,902)
- ✓Larger job market (64 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,936)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Wisconsin Rapids if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, court reporter salaries in Madison grew 9.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.6% growth in Wisconsin Rapids over the same period.
Madison, WI
$55,210 (2024) → $60,538 (2025)
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
$49,669 (2024) → $54,462 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays court reporters more: Madison or Wisconsin Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Wisconsin Rapids?
Should I relocate from Madison to Wisconsin Rapids as a court reporter?
What do entry-level court reporters earn in Madison vs Wisconsin Rapids?
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Written by Maria Gomez, RPR
Career Analyst
Maria Gomez has 10 years of experience in court reporting. She specializes in transcription for civil litigation cases. She works in various courtrooms across the state.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.27% 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 Maria Gomez, RPR, a licensed court reporter with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov