Madison vs Milwaukee: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Madison, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $298,747▲ | $297,548 |
| Hourly Rate | $143.63▲ | $143.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $235,322 | $238,667▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $245,726 | $278,475▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $300,988 | $303,544▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $341,889▲ | $303,544 |
| Total Employed | 150 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Milwaukee.
The salary gap between Madison and Milwaukee is $1,199 (0.40%). Madison's median is +20.03% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $106,567,Milwaukee spans $64,877. Madison 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, Madison ($307,078 effective) pays 0.04% more than Milwaukee ($306,950 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($298,747/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($341,889)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $307,078)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Madison grew 45.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.3% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Madison, WI
$194,690 (2019) → $283,980 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$201,560 (2019) → $282,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Madison or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Madison to Milwaukee as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Madison 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