Milwaukee vs Onalaska: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Milwaukee, WI and Onalaska, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | Onalaska, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,016▲ | $68,434 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.66▲ | $32.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,685▲ | $39,692 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,133▲ | $51,661 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,593▲ | $86,122 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,114▲ | $103,553 |
| Total Employed | 1,080▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Onalaska.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and Onalaska is $1,582 (2.31%). Milwaukee's median is -12.91% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Milwaukee spans $56,429,Onalaska spans $63,861. Onalaska has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Onalaska ($73,270 effective) pays 1.44% more than Milwaukee ($72,228 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 ($70,016/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,114)
- ✓Larger job market (1,080 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Onalaska if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,270)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Milwaukee grew -16.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -26.4% growth in Onalaska over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$80,160 (2021) → $67,014 (2025)
Onalaska, WI
$88,972 (2024) → $65,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
Onalaska, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Milwaukee or Onalaska?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Onalaska?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to Onalaska as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Milwaukee vs Onalaska?
Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov