Average Salary in Milwaukee, WI
Across the 411 professional occupations we track, the median salary in Milwaukee is $93,000/year. Milwaukee, Wisconsin offers career opportunities with 5.3% state income tax. All figures are Milwaukee-specific, adjusted for local cost of living and updated quarterly from BLS and H-1B disclosures.
Compare Milwaukee COL →Accounting salaries in Milwaukee
Agriculture salaries in Milwaukee
Architecture salaries in Milwaukee
Banking salaries in Milwaukee
Business salaries in Milwaukee
Cannabis salaries in Milwaukee
Construction salaries in Milwaukee
Creative salaries in Milwaukee
Cybersecurity salaries in Milwaukee
Dental salaries in Milwaukee
Education salaries in Milwaukee
Energy salaries in Milwaukee
Engineering salaries in Milwaukee
Finance salaries in Milwaukee
Gaming salaries in Milwaukee
Government salaries in Milwaukee
Healthcare salaries in Milwaukee
Hospitality salaries in Milwaukee
Human Resources salaries in Milwaukee
Insurance salaries in Milwaukee
Legal salaries in Milwaukee
Marketing salaries in Milwaukee
Media salaries in Milwaukee
Mental Health salaries in Milwaukee
Nonprofit salaries in Milwaukee
Real Estate salaries in Milwaukee
Retail salaries in Milwaukee
Sales salaries in Milwaukee
Science salaries in Milwaukee
Sports & Fitness salaries in Milwaukee
Supply Chain salaries in Milwaukee
Technology salaries in Milwaukee
Transportation salaries in Milwaukee
Veterinary salaries in Milwaukee
Working in Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Salary Guide (2026)
Milwaukee is home to the Milwaukee–WI metropolitan area with a population of 577,222. The city has a cost of living index of 90 (US average = 100), meaning salaries go approximately 10% further here than in an average US city.
Wisconsin has a 5.3% state income tax rate. When comparing offers with cities in no-income-tax states like Texas, Washington, or Florida, factor in this difference.
Top-paying industries in Milwaukee
Milwaukee's economy spans multiple high-wage sectors. The city's diverse employer base creates strong demand across technology, healthcare, finance, and professional services.
Milwaukee salary FAQ
What is the average salary in Milwaukee, WI?
Pay in Milwaukee varies widely by occupation. Across the 411 professional roles we track, the median salary is about $93,000 per year — adjusted for Milwaukee's cost of living (index 90, where 100 is the US average). Use the tables above to see the median for a specific job title.
Which jobs pay the most in Milwaukee?
Among the roles we track, Oral Surgeon is the highest-paying in Milwaukee at a median of $392,000 per year. Technology, healthcare, and finance roles generally top the list.
Does Milwaukee have a state income tax?
Yes — Wisconsin levies a 5.3% state income tax, which reduces take-home pay versus no-tax states like Texas, Florida, and Washington.
How far does a salary go in Milwaukee?
Milwaukee's cost of living index is 90 (US average = 100), so a dollar stretches about 10% further here than in an average US city. A $93,000 salary here has roughly the buying power of $103,333 in an average-cost city.