La Crosse vs Milwaukee: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between La Crosse, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | La Crosse, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $237,173 | $297,548▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $114.03 | $143.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $168,499 | $238,667▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $237,173 | $278,475▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $289,847 | $303,544▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $302,660 | $303,544▲ |
| Total Employed | 60 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to La Crosse.
The salary gap between La Crosse and Milwaukee is $60,375 (25.46%). 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 La Crosse spans $134,161,Milwaukee spans $64,877. La Crosse 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 18.77% more than La Crosse ($258,446 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose La Crosse if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($297,548/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($303,544)
- ✓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 La Crosse grew 1.9% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 40.3% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
La Crosse, WI
$221,280 (2022) → $225,450 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$201,560 (2019) → $282,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
La Crosse, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: La Crosse or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between La Crosse and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from La Crosse to Milwaukee as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in La Crosse 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