Tech Jobs in Madison, WI

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Madison, WI—a city where the University of Wisconsin fuels a vibrant tech scene, offering a blend of cutting‑edge startups and established firms. The high quality of life, bike‑friendly streets, and proximity to Lake Mendota make it appealing for talent at all stages.

Tech companies range from the Microsoft campus and U.S. Bank’s data analytics hub to Northwestern Mutual’s insurtech division and Medtronic’s biomedical engineering labs. The city also hosts emerging clean‑tech firms, educational software startups, and AI research labs tied to UW.

While Madison’s cost of living remains lower than Chicago or Minneapolis—average rent $1,400 and median home price around $350,000—salaries are competitive. Transparent pay data helps candidates gauge whether a role’s compensation matches the local market and personal budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of tech jobs are available in Madison, WI?
<p>Madison offers a wide range of tech roles including software engineer, data scientist, product manager, cybersecurity analyst, UX/UI designer, cloud architect, and DevOps engineer. Companies such as Microsoft, U.S. Bank, Northwestern Mutual, Medtronic, and Booz Allen Hamilton regularly hire for these positions, while local startups focus on AI, clean tech, and educational software.</p>
How are remote and on‑site work trends in Madison’s tech market?
<p>Approximately 70% of tech roles in Madison support hybrid or fully remote arrangements, reflecting the city’s strong broadband infrastructure and the prevalence of co‑working spaces like CoWork Madison and The Foundry. On‑site positions remain popular for roles requiring close collaboration, such as embedded systems engineers at Medtronic or data‑engineers at U.S. Bank.</p>
Who are the major tech employers in Madison?
<p>Key employers include <strong>Microsoft</strong> (software & AI), <strong>U.S. Bank</strong> (data analytics & fintech), <strong>Northwestern Mutual</strong> (insurtech), <strong>Medtronic</strong> (biomedical engineering), <strong>Booz Allen Hamilton</strong> (consulting & cybersecurity), and <strong>Accenture</strong> (digital services). Emerging players such as <strong>EcoVadis</strong> (sustainability tech) and <strong>BioTera</strong> (biotech analytics) also contribute to the ecosystem.</p>
What salary expectations should I expect in Madison?
<p>Median salaries in Madison are competitive with the Midwest: entry‑level software engineers earn $70k–$90k, mid‑level $90k–$120k, and senior roles $120k–$160k. Data scientists average $115k, product managers $105k, and UX designers $95k. Cost‑of‑living adjustments keep these figures attractive given average rent of $1,400 and median home price $350,000.</p>
What advice do you have for relocating to Madison for tech work?
<p>Start by researching neighborhoods: Downtown for city life, East Side for proximity to UW, West Side for quieter streets, and Midtown for a mix of residential and commercial spaces. Use local housing sites like <em>MadisonHousing.org</em> and contact campus housing offices for student‑friendly options. Join Meetup groups such as <strong>Madison Tech Meetup</strong> and <strong>Women in Tech Madison</strong> to network. Consider a short visit to test the area before signing a lease, and leverage employer relocation assistance or local programs like <strong>Madison Office of Economic Development</strong> for housing and tax incentives.</p>

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