Medical Assistant Pay

Madison vs Sheboygan: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)

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

Madison, WI
$51,173
$24.60/hr
Sheboygan, WI
$52,023
$25.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMadison, WISheboygan, WI
Median Salary$51,173$52,023
Hourly Rate$24.60$25.01
Entry Level (P10)$42,513$43,447
25th Percentile$49,871$49,861
75th Percentile$59,707$55,582
Top Earner (P90)$61,638$59,203
Total Employed2,080370
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Madison ($51,173) and Sheboygan ($52,023) medical assistant salaries.MadisonSheboyganMedian Salary$51,173$52,023Entry Level (P10)$42,513$43,447Top Earner (P90)$61,638$59,203US Median $47,961

Verdict

Madison and Sheboygan are closely matched on overall medical assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Madison and Sheboygan is $850 (1.66%). Sheboygan's median is +8.47% 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,Sheboygan spans $15,756. Madison has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Madison
P10 (Entry)$42,513
P25$49,871
Median$51,173
P75$59,707
P90 (Top)$61,638
Sheboygan
P10 (Entry)$43,447
P25$49,861
Median$52,023
P75$55,582
P90 (Top)$59,203

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Sheboygan ($55,335 effective) pays 5.20% more than Madison ($52,600 effective).

Madison
Nominal: $51,173
CoL Index: 97.287
Adjusted: $52,600
Sheboygan
Nominal: $52,023
CoL Index: 94.014
Adjusted: $55,335

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Madison if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($61,638)
  • Larger job market (2,080 employed)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Sheboygan if…

  • Higher median salary ($52,023/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,335)
  • 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 31.0% growth in Sheboygan over the same period.

Madison, WI

+24.9%

$39,040 (2019) → $48,750 (2025)

Sheboygan, WI

+31.0%

$37,830 (2019) → $49,560 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical assistants more: Madison or Sheboygan?

Sheboygan has a higher median medical assistant salary at $52,023/year, compared to Madison at $51,173/year — a difference of $850 (1.66%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Sheboygan?

Madison medical assistants earn $24.60/hr while Sheboygan hygienists earn $25.01/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Madison and Sheboygan. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Madison = $52,600, Sheboygan = $55,335), job availability (2,080 vs 370 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical assistants earn $42,513 in Madison and $43,447 in Sheboygan. The Sheboygan 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