Milwaukee vs Waukesha: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant 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 | $139,523 | $141,282▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.08 | $67.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,313 | $101,043▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $131,692▲ | $122,694 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,428 | $167,047▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,983 | $191,052▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,220▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Waukesha, WI offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Milwaukee.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and Waukesha is $1,759 (1.26%). Waukesha's median is +0.63% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Milwaukee spans $74,670,Waukesha spans $90,009. Waukesha has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Waukesha ($151,266 effective) pays 5.10% more than Milwaukee ($143,932 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 (1,220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Waukesha if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,282/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($191,052)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,266)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Milwaukee grew 16.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.7% growth in Waukesha over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$115,680 (2019) → $135,040 (2025)
Waukesha, WI
$114,230 (2024) → $136,742 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
Waukesha, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Milwaukee or Waukesha?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Waukesha?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to Waukesha as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Milwaukee vs Waukesha?
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov