Eau Claire vs Madison: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Eau Claire, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eau Claire, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,554 | $51,173▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.30 | $24.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,526 | $42,513▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,801 | $49,871▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $56,988 | $59,707▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,914 | $61,638▲ |
| Total Employed | 660 | 2,080▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Eau Claire.
The salary gap between Eau Claire and Madison is $619 (1.22%). Madison's median is +6.70% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eau Claire spans $19,388,Madison spans $19,125. Eau Claire 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, Eau Claire ($54,479 effective) pays 3.57% more than Madison ($52,600 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eau Claire if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,479)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,173/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,638)
- ✓Larger job market (2,080 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Eau Claire grew 33.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.9% growth in Madison over the same period.
Eau Claire, WI
$36,180 (2019) → $48,160 (2025)
Madison, WI
$39,040 (2019) → $48,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eau Claire, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Eau Claire or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eau Claire and Madison?
Should I relocate from Eau Claire to Madison as a medical assistant?
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Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov