Madison vs Waukesha: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Madison, WI and Waukesha, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Waukesha, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,173 | $52,711▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.60 | $25.34▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,513▲ | $40,736 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,871▲ | $43,346 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,707▲ | $55,449 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,638 | $65,890▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,080▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Waukesha, WI offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Madison.
The salary gap between Madison and Waukesha is $1,538 (3.01%). Waukesha's median is +9.90% 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,Waukesha spans $25,154. Waukesha has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Waukesha ($56,436 effective) pays 7.29% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (2,080 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Waukesha if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,711/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,890)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,436)
- ✓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 27.7% growth in Waukesha over the same period.
Madison, WI
$39,040 (2019) → $48,750 (2025)
Waukesha, WI
$39,325 (2024) → $50,215 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Waukesha, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Madison or Waukesha?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Waukesha?
Should I relocate from Madison to Waukesha as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Madison vs Waukesha?
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