La Crosse vs Madison: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist 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 | $237,173 | $298,747▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $114.03 | $143.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $168,499 | $235,322▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $237,173 | $245,726▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $289,847 | $300,988▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $302,660 | $341,889▲ |
| Total Employed | 60 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to La Crosse.
The salary gap between La Crosse and Madison is $61,574 (25.96%). Madison's median is +20.03% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in La Crosse spans $134,161,Madison spans $106,567. 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, Madison ($307,078 effective) pays 18.82% more than La Crosse ($258,446 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose La Crosse if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($298,747/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($341,889)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $307,078)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in La Crosse grew 1.9% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 45.9% growth in Madison over the same period.
La Crosse, WI
$221,280 (2022) → $225,450 (2025)
Madison, WI
$194,690 (2019) → $283,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
La Crosse, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists 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 nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in La Crosse vs Madison?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov