Madison vs Oshkosh: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Madison, WI and Oshkosh, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Oshkosh, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,173▲ | $50,627 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.60▲ | $24.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,513▲ | $40,833 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,871▲ | $46,638 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,707▲ | $52,160 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,638▲ | $59,119 |
| Total Employed | 2,080▲ | 460 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oshkosh.
The salary gap between Madison and Oshkosh is $546 (1.08%). 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 Madison spans $19,125,Oshkosh spans $18,286. Madison 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, Oshkosh ($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 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
Choose Oshkosh if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,479)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Madison grew 24.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.6% growth in Oshkosh over the same period.
Madison, WI
$39,040 (2019) → $48,750 (2025)
Oshkosh, WI
$35,560 (2019) → $48,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Oshkosh, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Madison or Oshkosh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Oshkosh?
Should I relocate from Madison to Oshkosh as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Madison vs Oshkosh?
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