Business & Finance Milwaukee, WI Pop. 577,222

Accountant Salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The median accountant salary in Milwaukee, WI is $73,490 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$73,490
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-6,390
Cost of Living
92%

Accountant Pay in Milwaukee: What to Expect (2026)

Milwaukee offers a median accountant salary of $73,490, which is $0 above the Wisconsin state average of $73,490. Compared to the national median of $79,880, Milwaukee pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Milwaukee's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for accountants in Milwaukee spans from $46,368 at the 10th percentile to $122,176 at the 90th percentile — a $75,808 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,840, while senior accountants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $110,400. As a major metro area with a population of 577,222, Milwaukee typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Accountant Salary in Milwaukee by Experience

In Milwaukee, an entry-level accountant earns around $47,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $110,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,840
$-4,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,600
$-6,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$110,400
$-9,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Milwaukee, WI

Percentile Milwaukee
10th Percentile $46,368
25th Percentile $57,684
Median (50th) $73,490
75th Percentile $94,208
90th Percentile $122,176

Accountant Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

Madison, WI
$79,880
Pop. 269,840
Kenosha, WI
$71,892
Pop. 99,986
Green Bay, WI
$70,294
Pop. 107,395
Racine, WI
$68,697
Pop. 77,816

How to Become a Accountant in Milwaukee

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Milwaukee and the surrounding Wisconsin area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GAAPTax PreparationFinancial AnalysisQuickBooksExcelAuditing

Job Outlook

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Milwaukee may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Accountant Jobs in Milwaukee

Browse open accountant positions in Milwaukee, WI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Milwaukee

How much does a Accountant make in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
The median accountant salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is $73,490 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $46,368 (10th percentile) to $122,176 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Milwaukee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,490, a accountant in Milwaukee earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Milwaukee compare to the Wisconsin state average for accountant pay? ▼
Milwaukee's median accountant salary of $73,490 is 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average of $73,490. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a accountant salary of $73,490 in Milwaukee has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a accountant in Milwaukee? ▼
Most accountant positions in Milwaukee require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include GAAP, Tax Preparation, Financial Analysis, QuickBooks. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.