Mequon vs Milwaukee: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Mequon, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mequon, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,230 | $138,985▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.17 | $66.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,774 | $113,123▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $119,434 | $131,857▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $143,067 | $154,678▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $151,883 | $174,582▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 1,450▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mequon.
The salary gap between Mequon and Milwaukee is $11,755 (9.24%). Milwaukee's median is +1.55% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mequon spans $44,109,Milwaukee spans $61,459. Milwaukee has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($143,377 effective) pays 5.25% more than Mequon ($136,221 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mequon if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,985/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,582)
- ✓Larger job market (1,450 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,377)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Mequon grew 11.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.3% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Mequon, WI
$109,981 (2024) → $122,987 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$113,600 (2019) → $134,350 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mequon, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Mequon or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mequon and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Mequon to Milwaukee as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Mequon vs Milwaukee?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov