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Physical Therapist Salary in Madison, WI β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Madison's cost of living (index: 102). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Physical Therapist Salary in Madison β€” Key Numbers

$101,704
Median Salary
$82,977
25th Percentile
$121,186
75th Percentile
$141,729
90th Percentile
National median (Physical Therapist)$99,710
vs. National median+2.0%
Madison median household income$74,200
vs. City household income+37.1%

Cost of Living in Madison

Cost of Living Index
102(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,499/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio17.7%
Annual rent cost$17,988
Median Home Price$380,000
Home Price / Salary3.7Γ—
20% Down Payment$76,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.7 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Madison

2.4%
Unemployment Rate
680,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
31.6
Median Age

Madison has a metro population of 680,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 2.4% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Physical Therapist Salary β€” Other Wisconsin Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Madison, WI?

The estimated median salary for a Physical Therapist in Madison is $101,704 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $99,710 adjusted by Madison's cost of living index (102). The typical salary range runs from $82,977 (25th percentile) to $121,186 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $141,729.

Is Madison affordable for a Physical Therapist?

On a $101,704 annual salary, a Physical Therapist in Madison would spend approximately 17.7% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,499/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Madison relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $380,000 is 3.7Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Physical Therapist's salary compare to Madison's overall income?

Madison's median household income is $74,200. A Physical Therapist earning the city-adjusted median of $101,704 earns 37.1% more than the typical Madison household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.