VeterinaryUpdated Q1 2026

Zoo Veterinarian Salary
in Madison, WI

Provide medical care for exotic and wild animals in zoos and wildlife facilities. Median salary in Madison: $102K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$102K
per year
Take-home: $66K

Salary range in Madison

Entry level (25th)$75,000
Median (50th)$102,000
Senior (75th)$138,000
Top earner (90th)$182,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Madison, Wisconsin. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial Β· How we calculate this β†’

Help build this dataset. Add your own Zoo Veterinarian salary so other workers in Madison have better numbers to work with.
Submit yours β†’

What the numbers say for Madison

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above β€” specific to this role and city.

Cost-of-living adjusted picture

Adjusted for Madison's cost-of-living index (102), the median Zoo Veterinarian salary buys the equivalent of $100,000 in a US-average-cost city. That's $2,000 less purchasing power than the national median β€” the higher nominal salary doesn't fully offset local costs.

Primarily on-site role

Only 0% of Zoo Veterinarian positions offer remote flexibility, meaning the Madison salary above represents what local employers actually pay β€” not a remote-anywhere rate. Geographic constraints reinforce the local market, so the salary range above is more directly applicable than for remote-friendly roles.

Key facts for Madison

Median salary
$102K
annual
Take-home pay
$66K
after fed/state tax
COL index
102
100 = US avg
State income tax
5.3%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,500
per month
YoY growth
+4%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Madison Zoo Veterinarian to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $102K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Madison

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Zoo Veterinarian salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$85K$93K$100K$108K$115K201920212023202520272029
2026
$105K
projected
2027
$107K
projected
2028
$110K
projected
2029
$113K
projected
2030
$115K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$102,000+$0
2028 projected$102,000+$0
2029 projected$102,000+$0
2030 projected$102,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

Full salary breakdown & negotiation guide

Unlock the full salary report + negotiation email template

Enter your email for free access. We'll send salary market updates β€” unsubscribe anytime.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Zoo Veterinarian Salary in Madison, Wisconsin: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Zoo Veterinarian salary in Madison, WI is $102,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Madison–WI metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Zoo Veterinarian in Madison

Entry-level Zoo Veterinarians in Madison with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $75,000 and $102,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $102,000 to $138,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $138,000 to $182,000 or more.

Cost of living in Madison for Zoo Veterinarians

Madison has a cost of living index of 102 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Madison are close to the national average. Wisconsin has a 5.3% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Zoo Veterinarian

DVM + zoo medicine residency; exotic animal experience. 0% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Zoo Veterinarian salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Madison (current)$102K102
Milwaukee$100K90
Green Bay$90K88
Kenosha$92K90