SOC 11-3121 · May 2025 · BLS OEWS
Human Resources Managers — South Central Wisconsin
South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area · 10 metro areas compared
In South Central Wisconsin, WI the median wage is $123,360.
Wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Salary overview
In South Central Wisconsin, WI the median wage is $123,360. That is 17.4% lower than the national median of $149,280. Pay ranges from under $86,250 at the tenth percentile to more than $192,670 at the ninetieth, with the interquartile range running from $104,350 to $144,530.
Employment stands at 200, or 0.9 jobs per thousand held locally. Within the state, Madison records the highest median at $140,680. Of the 421 occupations with published wages in this area, it sits 19th.
Percentile breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | vs US median |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $86,250 | −42.2% |
| 25th | $104,350 | −30.1% |
| Median (50th) | $123,360 | −17.4% |
| 75th | $144,530 | −3.2% |
| 90th | $192,670 | +29.1% |
| Mean | $132,450 | −11.3% |
Other metro areas in Wisconsin
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Madison | $140,680 | 660 | |
| 2 | Sheboygan | $139,830 | 80 | |
| 3 | Janesville | $139,360 | 90 | |
| 4 | Fond du Lac | $139,060 | 50 | |
| 5 | Milwaukee | $136,530 | 1,190 | |
| 6 | Green Bay | $135,400 | 220 | |
| 7 | Kenosha | $133,330 | 80 | |
| 8 | La Crosse | $132,850 | 100 | |
| 9 | Oshkosh | $131,830 | 160 | |
| 10 | Wausau | $131,240 | 70 |
What the pay is worth locally
Prices in South Central Wisconsin run 5.9% below the national average, so the median of $123,360 goes as far as $131,095 would elsewhere in the country. Measured that way it compares to the national median at 12.2% below the national median in real terms.
Published median
$123,360as reported by BLSLocal price level
94.1US average = 100 · BEA 2024Adjusted for local prices
$131,095US average = 100 · BEA 2024Key takeaways
- Median pay is $123,360 a year, 17.4% below the national median.
- Published pay spans $86,250 to $192,670 between the tenth and ninetieth percentiles.
- The area has 200 jobs in this occupation.
- The highest-paying metro area covered is Madison, at $140,680.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median wage for Human Resources Managers in South Central Wisconsin, WI?
The median annual wage is $123,360, or $59.31 per hour, as of May 2025. Half of the workers in this occupation earn more than that and half earn less.
Is that higher than the national average?
The national median for this occupation is $149,280, so pay in South Central Wisconsin, WI is 17.4% lower. These figures are medians, not averages: half of workers fall on each side.
What do the top earners make?
The top tenth of this occupation in South Central Wisconsin, WI earns more than $192,670 per year. The ninetieth percentile is the highest figure the survey publishes.
What is the starting range?
The tenth percentile wage is $86,250 per year. The survey measures wages actually paid rather than experience level, so this reflects the lowest-paid tenth rather than entry-level pay specifically.
Which area nearby pays the most?
The highest median for this occupation among the metro areas covered is in Madison, at $140,680 per year.
How many jobs are there in this occupation here?
The survey estimates 200 jobs in this occupation in South Central Wisconsin, WI. Self-employed workers are not included.
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Wages are for wage-and-salary workers; self-employed workers are not included. Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
Explore related data