Madison vs Wausau: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Madison, WI and Wausau, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Wausau, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,397▲ | $134,295 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.54▲ | $64.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,905 | $109,767▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $113,683 | $126,433▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $163,070▲ | $156,148 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,375▲ | $167,637 |
| Total Employed | 490▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wausau.
The salary gap between Madison and Wausau is $4,102 (3.05%). 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,Wausau spans $57,870. 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, Wausau ($144,947 effective) pays 1.89% 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,375)
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Wausau if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,947)
- ✓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 -2.1% growth in Wausau over the same period.
Madison, WI
$118,770 (2019) → $133,950 (2025)
Wausau, WI
$132,720 (2019) → $129,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Wausau, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Madison or Wausau?
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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