Madison vs Mount Pleasant: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Madison, WI and Mount Pleasant, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Mount Pleasant, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,339▲ | $102,011 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.65▲ | $49.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,316▲ | $74,766 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,964▲ | $89,275 |
| 75th Percentile | $120,964▲ | $116,583 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,251▲ | $125,943 |
| Total Employed | 900▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mount Pleasant.
The salary gap between Madison and Mount Pleasant is $3,328 (3.26%). Madison's median is +0.05% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $43,935,Mount Pleasant spans $51,177. Mount Pleasant has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Mount Pleasant ($109,219 effective) pays 0.87% more than Madison ($108,277 effective).
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 ($105,339/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,251)
- ✓Larger job market (900 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Mount Pleasant if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,219)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Madison grew 20.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.6% growth in Mount Pleasant over the same period.
Madison, WI
$85,560 (2019) → $102,810 (2025)
Mount Pleasant, WI
$83,227 (2024) → $99,562 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Mount Pleasant, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Madison or Mount Pleasant?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Mount Pleasant?
Should I relocate from Madison to Mount Pleasant as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Madison vs Mount Pleasant?
Related Comparisons
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