Eau Claire vs Milwaukee: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Eau Claire, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eau Claire, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $286,679 | $297,548▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $137.82 | $143.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $178,633 | $238,667▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $258,437 | $278,475▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $352,306▲ | $303,544 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $401,997▲ | $303,544 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Eau Claire.
The salary gap between Eau Claire and Milwaukee is $10,869 (3.79%). Milwaukee's median is +19.55% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eau Claire spans $223,364,Milwaukee spans $64,877. Eau Claire has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($306,950 effective) pays 0.00% more than Eau Claire ($306,937 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eau Claire if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($401,997)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($297,548/year)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $306,950)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Eau Claire grew 28.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.3% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Eau Claire, WI
$212,268 (2024) → $272,509 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$201,560 (2019) → $282,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eau Claire, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Eau Claire or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eau Claire and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Eau Claire to Milwaukee as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Eau Claire vs Milwaukee?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov