Madison vs Onalaska: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Madison, WI and Onalaska, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Onalaska, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,339▲ | $101,289 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.65▲ | $48.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,316▲ | $78,841 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,964▲ | $89,626 |
| 75th Percentile | $120,964▲ | $113,483 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,251▲ | $120,788 |
| Total Employed | 900▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Onalaska.
The salary gap between Madison and Onalaska is $4,050 (4.00%). 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,Onalaska spans $41,947. Madison has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Onalaska ($108,446 effective) pays 0.16% more than Madison ($108,277 effective).
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)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Onalaska if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,446)
- ✓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 20.8% growth in Onalaska over the same period.
Madison, WI
$85,560 (2019) → $102,810 (2025)
Onalaska, WI
$81,855 (2024) → $98,857 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Onalaska, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Madison or Onalaska?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Onalaska?
Should I relocate from Madison to Onalaska as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Madison vs Onalaska?
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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.
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