Appleton vs Madison: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Appleton, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,994▲ | $65,110 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.72▲ | $31.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,183▲ | $48,930 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,100▲ | $61,145 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,739▲ | $75,907 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,228▲ | $79,647 |
| Total Employed | 50 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Appleton, WI offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Madison.
The salary gap between Appleton and Madison is $884 (1.36%). Appleton's median is -6.05% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $25,045,Madison spans $30,717. Madison has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Appleton ($71,407 effective) pays 6.70% more than Madison ($66,926 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Appleton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,994/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,228)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,407)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Appleton grew 11.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.0% growth in Madison over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$57,450 (2019) → $64,240 (2025)
Madison, WI
$50,300 (2019) → $63,380 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Appleton or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Appleton and Madison?
Should I relocate from Appleton to Madison as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Appleton vs Madison?
Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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 Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov