La Crosse vs Madison: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between La Crosse, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | La Crosse, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,652▲ | $56,412 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.12▲ | $27.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,480 | $48,896▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,480 | $48,896▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,327▲ | $65,346 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,776 | $74,835▲ |
| Total Employed | 40 | 180▲ |
Verdict
La Crosse and Madison are closely matched on overall occupational therapy assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between La Crosse and Madison is $6,240 (11.06%). La Crosse's median is -15.71% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in La Crosse spans $27,296,Madison spans $25,939. 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 ($68,271 effective) pays 17.74% more than Madison ($57,985 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose La Crosse if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,652/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,271)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,835)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in La Crosse grew 32.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 61.6% growth in Madison over the same period.
La Crosse, WI
$45,880 (2019) → $60,940 (2025)
Madison, WI
$33,950 (2019) → $54,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
La Crosse, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: La Crosse or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between La Crosse and Madison?
Should I relocate from La Crosse to Madison as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in La Crosse vs Madison?
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% 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 Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov