COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The City of Madison offers excellent pay and benefits for employees. City Ordinances and labor contracts provide specifics; the description here is not to be considered a binding statement but offers an informal summary.

Compensation

Specific salary information is provided on each posted position vacancy announcement. View the current salary schedules for pay for all classifications.

Step Increases; Annual Pay Increases

Five pay steps are identified for most positions. Most newly hired employees start at Step 1 of the pay range, advancing to Step 2 with successful completion of the employment probation period. Steps 3, 4 and 5 become effective with each year of additional continuous employment after advancement to Step 2. General annual increases are dependent on contract negotiation between the City of Madison and its labor unions. The City Council determines any increase for nonrepresented employees.

Longevity Increases

With the exception of certain managers who negotiate employment contracts, City employees receive additional longevity pay beginning with the fifth year of continuous employment:

3% at the start of the 5th year
3% more (total 6%) at the start of the 10th year
2% more (total 8%) at the 14th year
1% more (total 9%) at the 16th year
1% more (total 10%) at the 18th year
1% more (total 11%) at the 20th year
1% more (total 12%) at the 25th year

Benefits

Employee Orientation

New employees receive orientation to City employment that provides information about benefits, policies, procedures and resources.

Health Insurance

The City of Madison offers a range of health insurance plans. All local HMOs as well as a “freedom of choice” plan are available. The HMOs offer comprehensive coverage with no co-payments for office visits, approved procedures and hospitalizations. There are prescription co-payments. The premium cost to employees is based on the plan selected and the employer’s contribution (determined annually).

Vacation

Employees begin earning vacation when they begin work, and may request to use vacation time after completion of probation. The amount of vacation time earned increases with continuous service time:

After completion of one year: 10 work days of vacation
After 3 years: 12-1/2 days
After 7 years: 15 days
After 11 years: 17-1/2 days
After 15 years: 20 days
After 19 years: 25 days
After 27 years: 27 days

Sick Leave

Employees accumulate up to 13 days sick leave per year. Incentives are available to maximize the value of earned sick leave.

Holidays

The City of Madison observes eight official holidays (New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day), with additional “floating holidays” and Paid Leave time according to bargaining agreements and Ordinance provisions.

Life Insurance

Employees may purchase term life insurance coverage up to three times their annual earnings. Dependent coverage is also available.

Dental Insurance

A dental plan is made available to employees. Employees pay the premium.

Disability Income Protection

Employees may purchase an insurance policy to provide up to 65% of regular gross pay after sick leave is exhausted.

Worker’s Compensation

Benefits are provided in accordance with the State of Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation Act. Depending on labor contracts there may be additional supplemental benefits for an employee’s on-the-job injury.

Retirement

The City of Madison participates in the Wisconsin Retirement System through the State of Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds.

Transportation

• Bus: The City of Madison provides a free Metro Transit annual employee bus pass.
• Rideshare: The Rideshare Etc. program offers information and assistance to commuters interested in alternative means of transportation.

Training, Tuition Assistance
Employees are eligible to participate in City-sponsored training. A tuition assistance reimbursement program is available for permanent employees.

Tax Deferred Compensation Plan
Employees may participate in a tax-deferred compensation plan.

Flex Spending Accounts
Employees are eligible to participate in a pre-tax flexible spending account for health and dental out-of-pocket expenses as well as day care expenses.

Employee Assistance Program
The City’s EAP program offers 24-hour professional, confidential assistance for personal, family and/or work concerns. It is available to employees, their families and partners and others of significance to employees. EAP also administers the Critical Incident Stress Management program for the City.

Madison Credit Union
Credit union membership is not limited to City employees, but employees may join and take advantage of MCU banking services.

Combined Campaign
Each autumn the City sponsors a Combined Campaign providing an opportunity for employees to contribute to a wide range of services in the community, through umbrella groups or by designation of one or more specific agencies. Employees’ contributions may be made by cash or by payroll deduction.