Brookfield vs Madison: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Brookfield, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brookfield, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,446 | $138,397▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.60 | $66.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,819▲ | $59,905 |
| 25th Percentile | $125,753▲ | $113,683 |
| 75th Percentile | $159,047 | $163,070▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,231▲ | $170,375 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 490▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brookfield.
The salary gap between Brookfield and Madison is $1,951 (1.43%). Madison's median is -1.42% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brookfield spans $78,412,Madison spans $110,470. Madison has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Brookfield ($146,088 effective) pays 2.69% more than Madison ($142,256 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brookfield if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($179,231)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,088)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,397/year)
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Brookfield grew 17.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.8% growth in Madison over the same period.
Brookfield, WI
$112,028 (2024) → $132,062 (2025)
Madison, WI
$118,770 (2019) → $133,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brookfield, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Brookfield or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brookfield and Madison?
Should I relocate from Brookfield to Madison as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Brookfield vs Madison?
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov