Medical Assistant Pay

Madison vs Whitewater: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare medical assistant salaries between Madison, WI and Whitewater, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Madison, WI
$51,173
$24.60/hr
Whitewater, WI
$48,036
$23.09/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMadison, WIWhitewater, WI
Median Salary$51,173$48,036
Hourly Rate$24.60$23.09
Entry Level (P10)$42,513$39,231
25th Percentile$49,871$40,553
75th Percentile$59,707$48,886
Top Earner (P90)$61,638$60,554
Total Employed2,0804
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Madison ($51,173) and Whitewater ($48,036) medical assistant salaries.MadisonWhitewaterMedian Salary$51,173$48,036Entry Level (P10)$42,513$39,231Top Earner (P90)$61,638$60,554US Median $47,961

Verdict

Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Whitewater.

The salary gap between Madison and Whitewater is $3,137 (6.53%). 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,Whitewater spans $21,323. Whitewater has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.

Madison
P10 (Entry)$42,513
P25$49,871
Median$51,173
P75$59,707
P90 (Top)$61,638
Whitewater
P10 (Entry)$39,231
P25$40,553
Median$48,036
P75$48,886
P90 (Top)$60,554

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($52,600 effective) pays 2.27% more than Whitewater ($51,430 effective).

Madison
Nominal: $51,173
CoL Index: 97.287
Adjusted: $52,600
Whitewater
Nominal: $48,036
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $51,430

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)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,600)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Whitewater if…

  • 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 22.9% growth in Whitewater over the same period.

Madison, WI

+24.9%

$39,040 (2019) → $48,750 (2025)

Whitewater, WI

+22.9%

$37,221 (2024) → $45,762 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical assistants more: Madison or Whitewater?

Madison has a higher median medical assistant salary at $51,173/year, compared to Whitewater at $48,036/year — a difference of $3,137 (6.53%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Whitewater?

Madison medical assistants earn $24.60/hr while Whitewater hygienists earn $23.09/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Madison to Whitewater as a medical assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Madison and Whitewater. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Madison = $52,600, Whitewater = $51,430), job availability (2,080 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Madison vs Whitewater?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical assistants earn $42,513 in Madison and $39,231 in Whitewater. The Madison area offers higher starting salaries.
EC

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Rodriguez, RMAData verified by Sofia Patel, CCMA

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