La Crosse vs Madison: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental 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 | $48,661 | $51,498▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.39 | $24.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,978 | $48,187▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,784 | $49,755▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $57,377 | $60,265▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,223 | $62,998▲ |
| Total Employed | 230 | 920▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to La Crosse.
The salary gap between La Crosse and Madison is $2,837 (5.83%). Madison's median is +3.87% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in La Crosse spans $18,245,Madison spans $14,811. 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 ($53,026 effective) pays 0.17% more than Madison ($52,934 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: $53,026)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,498/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,998)
- ✓Larger job market (920 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in La Crosse grew 13.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.4% growth in Madison over the same period.
La Crosse, WI
$41,730 (2019) → $47,180 (2025)
Madison, WI
$43,260 (2019) → $49,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
La Crosse, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental 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 dental assistant?
What do entry-level dental assistants earn in La Crosse vs Madison?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.14% 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 Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov