Milwaukee vs Waukesha: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist 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 | $297,548 | $301,297▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $143.05 | $144.85▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $238,667▲ | $192,832 |
| 25th Percentile | $278,475▲ | $257,355 |
| 75th Percentile | $303,544 | $367,493▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $303,544 | $417,866▲ |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Waukesha, WI offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Milwaukee.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and Waukesha is $3,749 (1.26%). Waukesha's median is +21.05% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Milwaukee spans $64,877,Waukesha spans $225,034. Waukesha has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Waukesha ($322,588 effective) pays 5.09% 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 Milwaukee if…
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Waukesha if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($301,297/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($417,866)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $322,588)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Milwaukee grew 40.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.9% growth in Waukesha over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$201,560 (2019) → $282,840 (2025)
Waukesha, WI
$210,670 (2024) → $286,404 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
Waukesha, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Milwaukee or Waukesha?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Waukesha?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to Waukesha as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Milwaukee vs Waukesha?
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