Madison vs Oak Creek: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Madison, WI and Oak Creek, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Oak Creek, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,397▲ | $133,000 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.54▲ | $63.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,905 | $103,625▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $113,683 | $121,383▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $163,070▲ | $161,731 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,375 | $185,706▲ |
| Total Employed | 490▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oak Creek.
The salary gap between Madison and Oak Creek is $5,397 (4.06%). 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 Madison spans $110,470,Oak Creek spans $82,081. 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, Oak Creek ($142,398 effective) pays 0.10% 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 Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,397/year)
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Oak Creek if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($185,706)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $142,398)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Madison grew 12.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.9% growth in Oak Creek over the same period.
Madison, WI
$118,770 (2019) → $133,950 (2025)
Oak Creek, WI
$109,199 (2024) → $128,726 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Oak Creek, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Madison or Oak Creek?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Oak Creek?
Should I relocate from Madison to Oak Creek as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Madison vs Oak Creek?
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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