Milwaukee vs Wausau: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Milwaukee, WI and Wausau, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | Wausau, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,262▲ | $111,286 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.99▲ | $53.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,682▲ | $68,432 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,616▲ | $85,215 |
| 75th Percentile | $232,780▲ | $165,384 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $456,618▲ | $302,018 |
| Total Employed | 4,040▲ | 150 |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wausau.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and Wausau is $25,976 (23.34%). 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,Wausau spans $233,586. 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 17.89% more than Wausau ($120,113 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 Wausau 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 13.8% growth in Wausau over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$124,410 (2019) → $131,100 (2025)
Wausau, WI
$93,360 (2019) → $106,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
Wausau, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
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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