La Crosse vs Milwaukee: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between La Crosse, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | La Crosse, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,905 | $67,422▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.20 | $32.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,742 | $60,919▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,802 | $63,919▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,846 | $76,020▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,054 | $80,818▲ |
| Total Employed | 80 | 480▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to La Crosse.
The salary gap between La Crosse and Milwaukee is $2,517 (3.88%). Milwaukee's median is -4.02% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in La Crosse spans $31,312,Milwaukee spans $19,899. La Crosse 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, La Crosse ($70,726 effective) pays 1.69% more than Milwaukee ($69,552 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose La Crosse if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,726)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,422/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,818)
- ✓Larger job market (480 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in La Crosse grew 26.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.2% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
La Crosse, WI
$49,780 (2019) → $63,180 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$56,970 (2019) → $65,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
La Crosse, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: La Crosse or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between La Crosse and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from La Crosse to Milwaukee as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in La Crosse vs Milwaukee?
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