La Crosse vs Milwaukee: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist 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 | $99,950 | $105,565▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.05 | $50.75▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,476 | $85,134▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,853 | $97,142▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $109,745 | $116,354▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,827 | $128,249▲ |
| Total Employed | 200 | 1,710▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to La Crosse.
The salary gap between La Crosse and Milwaukee is $5,615 (5.62%). Milwaukee's median is +0.26% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in La Crosse spans $43,351,Milwaukee spans $43,115. La Crosse 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, La Crosse ($108,915 effective) pays 0.01% more than Milwaukee ($108,901 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: $108,915)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,565/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,249)
- ✓Larger job market (1,710 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in La Crosse grew 18.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.7% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
La Crosse, WI
$82,100 (2019) → $97,550 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$88,250 (2019) → $103,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
La Crosse, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists 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 physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in La Crosse vs Milwaukee?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov