Madison vs Sheboygan: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Madison, WI and Sheboygan, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Sheboygan, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,110▲ | $62,219 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.30▲ | $29.91 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,930▲ | $44,197 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,145▲ | $54,353 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,907▲ | $70,671 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,647▲ | $78,824 |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sheboygan.
The salary gap between Madison and Sheboygan is $2,891 (4.65%). Madison's median is -7.31% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $30,717,Sheboygan spans $34,627. Sheboygan 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, Madison ($66,926 effective) pays 0.47% more than Sheboygan ($66,616 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 ($65,110/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,647)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,926)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Sheboygan if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Madison grew 26.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.4% growth in Sheboygan over the same period.
Madison, WI
$50,300 (2019) → $63,380 (2025)
Sheboygan, WI
$61,400 (2023) → $60,566 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Sheboygan, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Madison or Sheboygan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Sheboygan?
Should I relocate from Madison to Sheboygan as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Madison vs Sheboygan?
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