Madison vs Onalaska: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Madison, WI and Onalaska, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Onalaska, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,698 | $49,544▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.46 | $23.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,026 | $39,450▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,741 | $44,614▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,264 | $52,988▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,550 | $63,289▲ |
| Total Employed | 520▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Onalaska, WI offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Madison.
The salary gap between Madison and Onalaska is $2,846 (6.09%). Onalaska's median is +5.28% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $25,524,Onalaska spans $23,839. 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, Onalaska ($53,045 effective) pays 10.51% more than Madison ($48,000 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Larger job market (520 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Onalaska if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,544/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,289)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,045)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Madison grew 49.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 38.5% growth in Onalaska over the same period.
Madison, WI
$29,510 (2021) → $44,130 (2025)
Onalaska, WI
$33,810 (2024) → $46,819 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Onalaska, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Madison or Onalaska?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Onalaska?
Should I relocate from Madison to Onalaska as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Madison vs Onalaska?
Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Patel, EMT-P
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as an emergency medical technician. She specializes in pre-hospital care and triage. Aisha works primarily in urban emergency services.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.82% 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 Aisha Patel, EMT-P, a licensed emergency medical technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov