Milwaukee vs Waukesha: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber 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 | $86,834 | $87,928▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.75 | $42.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,944 | $59,424▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,921 | $67,445▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $110,722 | $112,549▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $127,607 | $136,289▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,760▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Waukesha, WI offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Milwaukee.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and Waukesha is $1,094 (1.26%). Waukesha's median is +34.43% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Milwaukee spans $69,663,Waukesha spans $76,865. Waukesha 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, Waukesha ($94,141 effective) pays 5.09% 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 Milwaukee if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,760 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Waukesha if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,928/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,289)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,141)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Milwaukee grew 9.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.2% growth in Waukesha over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$77,120 (2019) → $84,700 (2025)
Waukesha, WI
$67,414 (2024) → $85,767 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
Waukesha, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Milwaukee or Waukesha?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Waukesha?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to Waukesha as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Milwaukee vs Waukesha?
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