Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Physical Therapist Aides Salary in Wisconsin: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Physical Therapist Aides salary really buy you in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin is 7.7% cheaper than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-05-19

Nominal Salary
$36,820
Median annual (2025)
+8.3%
Real Purchasing Power
$39,891
COL-adjusted (RPP=92.3)

Wisconsin Cost of Living Index

Wisconsin's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 92.3, meaning prices are 7.7% lower the national average. A Physical Therapist Aides earning $36,820 in Wisconsin has the equivalent purchasing power of $39,891 in an average-cost US state.

WI: 92.3
Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Salary Breakdown: Nominal vs. COL-Adjusted

Every dollar goes further in low-cost states. Here is how each salary percentile compares after adjusting for Wisconsin's cost of living.

Percentile Nominal Salary COL-Adjusted Difference
10th Percentile (P10) $28,080 $30,422 +$2,342
25th Percentile (P25) $31,890 $34,550 +$2,660
Median (P50) $36,820 $39,891 +$3,071
75th Percentile (P75) $43,060 $46,652 +$3,592
90th Percentile (P90) $46,520 $50,400 +$3,880
Key Insight

A Physical Therapist Aides in Wisconsin earns $36,820 on paper, but low living costs mean your money goes 8% further — like earning $39,891 in an average-cost state. This makes Wisconsin one of the best value states for this occupation.

What the Cost-of-Living Data Says

Wisconsin Runs Well Below National Cost

RPP 92.3

Wisconsin's Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 92.3 means a basket of goods and services costs about 7.7% less than the national average. For a Physical Therapist Aides, every dollar earned effectively buys more here than in a 100-RPP state.

Meaningful Purchasing-Power Shift

+8.3%

After applying Wisconsin's RPP, the $36,820 median salary translates to $39,892 in real terms — a 8.3% gain. That difference can cover several months of expenses over a year for a Physical Therapist Aides.

Top-Quartile Adjusted Earnings in Wisconsin

#7 / 50

Ranked on COL-adjusted median pay for Physical Therapist Aides, Wisconsin places #7 of 50 states — top quartile. Either nominal wages run high, cost of living runs low, or both.

Best States for Physical Therapist Aides (After Cost of Living)

Where does Physical Therapist Aides salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

1. Alaska
$54,666
RPP 102.0
$43,326
RPP 97.7
3. Montana
$43,133
RPP 90.3
$42,480
RPP 88.7
$41,026
RPP 102.3
6. Ohio
$40,677
RPP 91.5
$39,891
RPP 92.3
$39,697
RPP 89.4
9. Maine
$39,345
RPP 100.8
$39,058
RPP 89.2

Wisconsin ranks #7 out of 50 states for Physical Therapist Aides after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Physical Therapist Aides take-home pay in Wisconsin after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Physical Therapist Aides in Wisconsin after cost of living?

A Physical Therapist Aides in Wisconsin earns a median salary of $36,820 per year. After adjusting for Wisconsin's cost of living (RPP=92.3), the real purchasing power is $39,891 — a +8.3% difference.

Is Wisconsin expensive to live in?

Wisconsin's cost of living is 7.7% lower than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Wisconsin is 92.3 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Physical Therapist Aides in Wisconsin: $36,820 x (100 / 92.3) = $39,891. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Is it better to be a Physical Therapist Aides in Wisconsin financially?

From a purchasing power perspective, yes. A Physical Therapist Aides in Wisconsin enjoys 8.3% more buying power than the nominal salary suggests, because living costs are below the national average. However, other factors like job availability, career growth, and quality of life also matter.

What To Do Next

Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Related Salary Pages

Get Monthly Salary Insights & Career Data

Free data-driven career updates — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Join career-minded Americans who use data to make smarter decisions. Privacy Policy