CNA Salary

Madison vs Marshfield: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Madison, WI and Marshfield, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Madison, WI
$48,202
$23.17/hr
Marshfield, WI
$44,970
$21.62/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMadison, WIMarshfield, WI
Median Salary$48,202$44,970
Hourly Rate$23.17$21.62
Entry Level (P10)$42,036$37,248
25th Percentile$42,845$39,695
75th Percentile$50,470$49,995
Top Earner (P90)$59,629$53,749
Total Employed3,4204
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Madison ($48,202) and Marshfield ($44,970) certified nursing assistant salaries.MadisonMarshfieldMedian Salary$48,202$44,970Entry Level (P10)$42,036$37,248Top Earner (P90)$59,629$53,749US Median $45,007

Verdict

Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Marshfield.

The salary gap between Madison and Marshfield is $3,232 (7.19%). Madison's median is +7.10% compared to the US national median of $45,007.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $17,593,Marshfield spans $16,501. Madison has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Madison
P10 (Entry)$42,036
P25$42,845
Median$48,202
P75$50,470
P90 (Top)$59,629
Marshfield
P10 (Entry)$37,248
P25$39,695
Median$44,970
P75$49,995
P90 (Top)$53,749

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($49,546 effective) pays 2.90% more than Marshfield ($48,148 effective).

Madison
Nominal: $48,202
CoL Index: 97.287
Adjusted: $49,546
Marshfield
Nominal: $44,970
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $48,148

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 ($48,202/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($59,629)
  • Larger job market (3,420 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,546)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Marshfield if…

  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Madison grew 33.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.6% growth in Marshfield over the same period.

Madison, WI

+33.6%

$33,870 (2019) → $45,260 (2025)

Marshfield, WI

+25.6%

$33,609 (2024) → $42,225 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Madison or Marshfield?

Madison has a higher median certified nursing assistant salary at $48,202/year, compared to Marshfield at $44,970/year — a difference of $3,232 (7.19%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Marshfield?

Madison certified nursing assistants earn $23.17/hr while Marshfield hygienists earn $21.62/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Madison to Marshfield as a certified nursing assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Madison and Marshfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Madison = $49,546, Marshfield = $48,148), job availability (3,420 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Madison vs Marshfield?

Entry-level (10th percentile) certified nursing assistants earn $42,036 in Madison and $37,248 in Marshfield. The Madison area offers higher starting salaries.
EC

Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN

Career Analyst

Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Rodriguez, CNAData verified by Sara Patel, RN

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% 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 Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov