Milwaukee vs Waukesha: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Milwaukee, WI and Waukesha, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | Waukesha, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,016 | $70,898▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.66 | $34.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,685▲ | $41,121 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,133▲ | $51,047 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,593 | $90,749▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,114 | $109,892▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,080▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Waukesha, WI offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Milwaukee.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and Waukesha is $882 (1.26%). Waukesha's median is -11.81% 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,Waukesha spans $68,771. Waukesha 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, Waukesha ($75,908 effective) pays 5.09% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (1,080 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Waukesha if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,898/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,892)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,908)
- ✓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 -27.5% growth in Waukesha over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$80,160 (2021) → $67,014 (2025)
Waukesha, WI
$93,631 (2024) → $67,858 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
Waukesha, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Milwaukee or Waukesha?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Waukesha?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to Waukesha 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