Madison vs Racine: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Madison, WI and Racine, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Racine, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,397 | $138,748▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.54 | $66.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,905 | $118,022▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $113,683 | $135,008▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $163,070▲ | $158,937 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,375▲ | $160,828 |
| Total Employed | 490▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Madison and Racine are closely matched on overall physician assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Madison and Racine is $351 (0.25%). Racine's median is -1.17% 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,Racine spans $42,806. 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, Racine ($144,588 effective) pays 1.64% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,375)
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Racine if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,748/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,588)
- ✓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 20.6% growth in Racine over the same period.
Madison, WI
$118,770 (2019) → $133,950 (2025)
Racine, WI
$111,360 (2019) → $134,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Racine, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Madison or Racine?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Racine?
Should I relocate from Madison to Racine as a physician assistant?
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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