Business & Finance Milwaukee, WI Pop. 577,222

Economist Salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The median economist salary in Milwaukee, WI is $104,825 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$104,825
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-9,115
Cost of Living
92%

Economist Pay in Milwaukee: What to Expect (2026)

Milwaukee offers a median economist salary of $104,825, which is $0 above the Wisconsin state average of $104,825. Compared to the national median of $113,940, 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 economists in Milwaukee spans from $57,040 at the 10th percentile to $182,160 at the 90th percentile — a $125,120 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,800, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $170,200. 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.

Economist Salary in Milwaukee by Experience

In Milwaukee, an entry-level economist earns around $59,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $170,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,800
$-5,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$105,800
$-9,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$170,200
$-14,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Milwaukee, WI

Percentile Milwaukee
10th Percentile $57,040
25th Percentile $75,440
Median (50th) $104,825
75th Percentile $142,600
90th Percentile $182,160

Economist Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

Madison, WI
$113,940
Pop. 269,840
Kenosha, WI
$102,546
Pop. 99,986
Green Bay, WI
$100,267
Pop. 107,395
Racine, WI
$97,988
Pop. 77,816

How to Become a Economist in Milwaukee

Education

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

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Milwaukee may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Economist Jobs in Milwaukee

Browse open economist positions in Milwaukee, WI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Milwaukee

How much does a Economist make in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
The median economist salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is $104,825 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $57,040 (10th percentile) to $182,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Milwaukee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $104,825, a economist in Milwaukee earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Milwaukee compare to the Wisconsin state average for economist pay? ▼
Milwaukee's median economist salary of $104,825 is 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average of $104,825. 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 economist salary of $104,825 in Milwaukee has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Milwaukee? ▼
Most economist positions in Milwaukee require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.