Milwaukee vs River Falls: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Milwaukee, WI and River Falls, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | River Falls, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,262▲ | $114,216 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.99▲ | $54.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,682▲ | $66,246 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,616▲ | $82,236 |
| 75th Percentile | $232,780▲ | $146,197 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $456,618▲ | $177,035 |
| Total Employed | 4,040▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to River Falls.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and River Falls is $23,046 (20.18%). Milwaukee's median is -17.89% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Milwaukee spans $373,936,River Falls spans $110,789. Milwaukee 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 ($141,599 effective) pays 15.79% more than River Falls ($122,287 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,262/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($456,618)
- ✓Larger job market (4,040 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,599)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose River Falls if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Milwaukee grew 5.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.8% growth in River Falls over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$124,410 (2019) → $131,100 (2025)
River Falls, WI
$110,013 (2024) → $109,089 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
River Falls, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Milwaukee or River Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and River Falls?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to River Falls as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Milwaukee vs River Falls?
Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov