Physical Therapist Pay

Madison vs Muskego: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between Madison, WI and Muskego, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Madison, WI
$105,339
$50.65/hr
Muskego, WI
$99,122
$47.65/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMadison, WIMuskego, WI
Median Salary$105,339$99,122
Hourly Rate$50.65$47.65
Entry Level (P10)$82,316$80,653
25th Percentile$90,964$86,544
75th Percentile$120,964$113,009
Top Earner (P90)$126,251$122,299
Total Employed9006
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Madison ($105,339) and Muskego ($99,122) physical therapist salaries.MadisonMuskegoMedian Salary$105,339$99,122Entry Level (P10)$82,316$80,653Top Earner (P90)$126,251$122,299US Median $105,288

Verdict

Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Muskego.

The salary gap between Madison and Muskego is $6,217 (6.27%). Madison's median is +0.05% compared to the US national median of $105,288.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $43,935,Muskego spans $41,646. Madison has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Madison
P10 (Entry)$82,316
P25$90,964
Median$105,339
P75$120,964
P90 (Top)$126,251
Muskego
P10 (Entry)$80,653
P25$86,544
Median$99,122
P75$113,009
P90 (Top)$122,299

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($108,277 effective) pays 2.03% more than Muskego ($106,126 effective).

Madison
Nominal: $105,339
CoL Index: 97.287
Adjusted: $108,277
Muskego
Nominal: $99,122
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $106,126

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Madison if…

  • Higher median salary ($105,339/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($126,251)
  • Larger job market (900 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,277)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Muskego if…

  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Madison grew 20.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.4% growth in Muskego over the same period.

Madison, WI

+20.2%

$85,560 (2019) → $102,810 (2025)

Muskego, WI

+16.4%

$83,087 (2024) → $96,742 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Madison or Muskego?

Madison has a higher median physical therapist salary at $105,339/year, compared to Muskego at $99,122/year — a difference of $6,217 (6.27%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Muskego?

Madison physical therapists earn $50.65/hr while Muskego hygienists earn $47.65/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Madison to Muskego as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Madison and Muskego. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Madison = $108,277, Muskego = $106,126), job availability (900 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Madison vs Muskego?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $82,316 in Madison and $80,653 in Muskego. The Madison area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AM

Written by Alex Morgan, DPT

Career Analyst

Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.

Clinically reviewed by Jordan Lee, DPTData verified by Maria Garcia, DPT

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov