Healthcare Wisconsin (WI) Rank #26 of 50

Psychologist Salary in Wisconsin

The median psychologist salary in Wisconsin is $80,210 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $85,330.

Median Salary
$80,210
vs National
$-5,120
State Rank
#26 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Psychologist Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #26 out of 50 states for psychologist compensation. Psychologist salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $80,210 per year, psychologists in Wisconsin earn $5,120 less than the national median of $85,330.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $80,210 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $87,185 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: psychologists at the 10th percentile earn $45,120, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $145,700 — a $100,580 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $87,037.

Nationally, psychologist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for psychologists across the country.

Psychologist Salary in Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level psychologist earns around $48,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,300 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,880
$-3,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,720
$-5,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,300
$-8,700 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $45,120
25th Percentile $60,160
Median (50th) $80,210
75th Percentile $108,100
90th Percentile $145,700

Psychologist Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for psychologists in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Psychologist in Wisconsin

Education

Most psychologist positions require a doctoral degree. Wisconsin has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PsychotherapyPsychological AssessmentCBT/DBTResearch MethodsClinical DocumentationEthics

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

Nationally, psychologist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Wisconsin's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Psychologist Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Psychologist make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median psychologist salary in Wisconsin is $80,210 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $85,330. Salaries range from $45,120 (10th percentile) to $145,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Psychologist make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,210, a psychologist in Wisconsin earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for psychologists? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #26 out of 50 states for psychologist pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level psychologists earn $48,880, while senior professionals earn $136,300.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for psychologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for psychologists is Hawaii at $151,887. Wisconsin's median of $80,210 ranks #26 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Utah ($82,770) and Texas ($80,210).
What is the entry-level psychologist salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level psychologist in Wisconsin earns approximately $48,880 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $82,720. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $136,300.
What city in Wisconsin pays psychologists the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for psychologists, with a median salary of $87,037. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.