PT Assistant Salary

Marshfield vs Milwaukee: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Marshfield, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Marshfield, WI
$61,656
$29.64/hr
Milwaukee, WI
$67,422
$32.41/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMarshfield, WIMilwaukee, WI
Median Salary$61,656$67,422
Hourly Rate$29.64$32.41
Entry Level (P10)$44,195$60,919
25th Percentile$53,988$63,919
75th Percentile$70,535$76,020
Top Earner (P90)$78,273$80,818
Total Employed4480
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Marshfield ($61,656) and Milwaukee ($67,422) physical therapist assistant salaries.MarshfieldMilwaukeeMedian Salary$61,656$67,422Entry Level (P10)$44,195$60,919Top Earner (P90)$78,273$80,818US Median $70,247

Verdict

Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Marshfield.

The salary gap between Marshfield and Milwaukee is $5,766 (9.35%). 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 Marshfield spans $34,078,Milwaukee spans $19,899. Marshfield has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Marshfield
P10 (Entry)$44,195
P25$53,988
Median$61,656
P75$70,535
P90 (Top)$78,273
Milwaukee
P10 (Entry)$60,919
P25$63,919
Median$67,422
P75$76,020
P90 (Top)$80,818

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($69,552 effective) pays 5.36% more than Marshfield ($66,013 effective).

Marshfield
Nominal: $61,656
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $66,013
Milwaukee
Nominal: $67,422
CoL Index: 96.937
Adjusted: $69,552

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Marshfield if…

  • 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)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,552)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Marshfield grew 9.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.2% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.

Marshfield, WI

+9.4%

$54,836 (2024) → $60,018 (2025)

Milwaukee, WI

+15.2%

$56,970 (2019) → $65,630 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Marshfield or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a higher median physical therapist assistant salary at $67,422/year, compared to Marshfield at $61,656/year — a difference of $5,766 (9.35%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Marshfield and Milwaukee?

Marshfield physical therapist assistants earn $29.64/hr while Milwaukee hygienists earn $32.41/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Marshfield to Milwaukee as a physical therapist assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Marshfield and Milwaukee. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Marshfield = $66,013, Milwaukee = $69,552), job availability (4 vs 480 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Marshfield vs Milwaukee?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapist assistants earn $44,195 in Marshfield and $60,919 in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, PTAData verified by Ahmed Khan, DPT

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