Appleton vs Milwaukee: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Appleton, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,062▲ | $86,834 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.22▲ | $41.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,243 | $57,944▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,578 | $63,921▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,328 | $110,722▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,901 | $127,607▲ |
| Total Employed | 890 | 2,760▲ |
Verdict
Appleton and Milwaukee are closely matched on overall plumber compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Appleton and Milwaukee is $7,228 (8.32%). Appleton's median is +43.81% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $68,658,Milwaukee spans $69,663. Milwaukee has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Appleton ($101,778 effective) pays 13.62% more than Milwaukee ($89,578 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Appleton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($94,062/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,778)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,607)
- ✓Larger job market (2,760 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Appleton grew 35.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.8% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$67,890 (2019) → $91,750 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$77,120 (2019) → $84,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Appleton or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Appleton and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Appleton to Milwaukee as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Appleton vs Milwaukee?
Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov