Milwaukee vs Waukesha: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist 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 | $103,660 | $104,966▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.84 | $50.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,093 | $78,422▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,698▲ | $87,358 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,278 | $113,508▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,831 | $129,825▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,360▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Waukesha, WI offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Milwaukee.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and Waukesha is $1,306 (1.26%). Waukesha's median is +1.96% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Milwaukee spans $64,738,Waukesha spans $51,403. 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, Waukesha ($112,383 effective) pays 5.09% more than Milwaukee ($106,935 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 (1,360 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Waukesha if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,966/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,825)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,383)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Milwaukee grew 38.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 41.3% growth in Waukesha over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$71,160 (2020) → $98,780 (2025)
Waukesha, WI
$70,766 (2020) → $100,025 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
Waukesha, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Milwaukee or Waukesha?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Waukesha?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to Waukesha as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Milwaukee vs Waukesha?
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov