Milwaukee vs Wauwatosa: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Milwaukee, WI and Wauwatosa, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | Wauwatosa, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,660▲ | $95,454 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.84▲ | $45.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,093 | $75,838▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,698▲ | $82,374 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,278▲ | $105,525 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,831 | $120,386▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,360▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wauwatosa.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and Wauwatosa is $8,206 (8.60%). Milwaukee's median is +0.69% 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,Wauwatosa spans $44,548. 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 ($106,935 effective) pays 4.63% more than Wauwatosa ($102,199 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 ($103,660/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,935)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Wauwatosa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,386)
- ✓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 35.9% growth in Wauwatosa over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$71,160 (2020) → $98,780 (2025)
Wauwatosa, WI
$66,920 (2020) → $90,961 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
Wauwatosa, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Milwaukee or Wauwatosa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Wauwatosa?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to Wauwatosa as a dental hygienist?
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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