Madison vs Wisconsin Rapids: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Madison, WI and Wisconsin Rapids, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Wisconsin Rapids, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,202▲ | $43,541 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.17▲ | $20.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,036▲ | $37,400 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,845▲ | $38,421 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,470▲ | $46,787 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,629▲ | $49,422 |
| Total Employed | 3,420▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wisconsin Rapids.
The salary gap between Madison and Wisconsin Rapids is $4,661 (10.70%). 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,Wisconsin Rapids spans $12,022. Madison 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, Madison ($49,546 effective) pays 6.28% more than Wisconsin Rapids ($46,618 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 ($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 Wisconsin Rapids 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 Wisconsin Rapids over the same period.
Madison, WI
$33,870 (2019) → $45,260 (2025)
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
$32,542 (2024) → $40,884 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Madison or Wisconsin Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Wisconsin Rapids?
Should I relocate from Madison to Wisconsin Rapids as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Madison vs Wisconsin Rapids?
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.
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