Milwaukee vs Wauwatosa: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Milwaukee, WI and Wauwatosa, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | Wauwatosa, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,985▲ | $129,061 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.82▲ | $62.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $113,123▲ | $102,896 |
| 25th Percentile | $131,857▲ | $116,610 |
| 75th Percentile | $154,678▲ | $152,670 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,582▲ | $166,958 |
| Total Employed | 1,450▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wauwatosa.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and Wauwatosa is $9,924 (7.69%). 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 Milwaukee spans $61,459,Wauwatosa spans $64,062. Wauwatosa 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 3.76% more than Wauwatosa ($138,181 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Wauwatosa if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Milwaukee grew 18.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.8% growth in Wauwatosa over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$113,600 (2019) → $134,350 (2025)
Wauwatosa, WI
$111,564 (2024) → $124,757 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
Wauwatosa, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Milwaukee or Wauwatosa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Wauwatosa?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to Wauwatosa as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Milwaukee vs Wauwatosa?
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