Huntsville vs Madison: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Huntsville, AL and Madison, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Huntsville, AL | Madison, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,790▲ | $105,193 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.26▲ | $50.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,786▲ | $78,976 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,913▲ | $94,161 |
| 75th Percentile | $129,253▲ | $127,185 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,591 | $146,929▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Huntsville, AL offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Madison.
The salary gap between Huntsville and Madison is $5,597 (5.32%). Huntsville's median is -21.08% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huntsville spans $37,805,Madison spans $67,953. 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, Madison ($119,673 effective) pays 0.53% more than Huntsville ($119,037 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Huntsville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,790/year)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($146,929)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $119,673)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Huntsville grew 5.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.1% growth in Madison over the same period.
Huntsville, AL
$101,720 (2019) → $107,230 (2025)
Madison, AL
$95,986 (2024) → $101,813 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Huntsville, AL
Madison, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Huntsville or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Huntsville and Madison?
Should I relocate from Huntsville to Madison as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Huntsville vs Madison?
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