Milwaukee vs River Falls: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Milwaukee, WI and River Falls, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | River Falls, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,016▲ | $65,030 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.66▲ | $31.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,685▲ | $37,717 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,133▲ | $48,209 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,593▲ | $83,239 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,114▲ | $100,797 |
| Total Employed | 1,080▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to River Falls.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and River Falls is $4,986 (7.67%). 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,River Falls spans $63,080. River Falls 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, Milwaukee ($72,228 effective) pays 3.74% more than River Falls ($69,625 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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,228)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose River Falls if…
- ✓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 -29.3% growth in River Falls over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$80,160 (2021) → $67,014 (2025)
River Falls, WI
$88,010 (2024) → $62,242 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
River Falls, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Milwaukee or River Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and River Falls?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to River Falls as a data analyst?
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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