La Crosse vs Milwaukee: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between La Crosse, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | La Crosse, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,344 | $52,055▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.21 | $25.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,749 | $43,080▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,975 | $50,386▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $54,091 | $58,741▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,458 | $61,922▲ |
| Total Employed | 570 | 4,170▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to La Crosse.
The salary gap between La Crosse and Milwaukee is $1,711 (3.40%). Milwaukee's median is +8.54% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in La Crosse spans $17,709,Milwaukee spans $18,842. Milwaukee 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, La Crosse ($54,859 effective) pays 2.16% more than Milwaukee ($53,700 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose La Crosse if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,859)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,055/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,922)
- ✓Larger job market (4,170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in La Crosse grew 32.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.1% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
La Crosse, WI
$36,180 (2019) → $47,960 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$37,270 (2019) → $49,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
La Crosse, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: La Crosse or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between La Crosse and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from La Crosse to Milwaukee as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in La Crosse vs Milwaukee?
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