Retail & Sales Milwaukee, WI Pop. 577,222

Retail Manager Salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The median retail manager salary in Milwaukee, WI is $46,368 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$46,368
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-4,032
Cost of Living
92%

Retail Manager Pay in Milwaukee: What to Expect (2026)

Milwaukee offers a median retail manager salary of $46,368, which is $0 above the Wisconsin state average of $46,368. Compared to the national median of $50,400, 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 retail managers in Milwaukee spans from $27,600 at the 10th percentile to $84,640 at the 90th percentile — a $57,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $29,440, while senior retail managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $78,200. 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.

Retail Manager Salary in Milwaukee by Experience

In Milwaukee, an entry-level retail manager earns around $29,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$29,440
$-2,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,840
$-4,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,200
$-6,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Milwaukee, WI

Percentile Milwaukee
10th Percentile $27,600
25th Percentile $34,960
Median (50th) $46,368
75th Percentile $64,400
90th Percentile $84,640

Retail Manager Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

Madison, WI
$50,400
Pop. 269,840
Kenosha, WI
$45,360
Pop. 99,986
Green Bay, WI
$44,352
Pop. 107,395
Racine, WI
$43,344
Pop. 77,816

How to Become a Retail Manager in Milwaukee

Education

Most retail manager positions require a high school diploma. Milwaukee and the surrounding Wisconsin area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Retail ManagementSalesInventory ManagementCustomer ServiceStaff TrainingVisual Merchandising

Job Outlook

Nationally, retail manager employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Demand in Milwaukee may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Retail Manager Jobs in Milwaukee

Browse open retail manager positions in Milwaukee, WI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Retail Manager Salary in Milwaukee

How much does a Retail Manager make in Milwaukee, WI? ▼
The median retail manager salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is $46,368 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $50,400. Salaries range from $27,600 (10th percentile) to $84,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Retail Manager make per hour in Milwaukee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,368, a retail manager in Milwaukee earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Milwaukee compare to the Wisconsin state average for retail manager pay? ▼
Milwaukee's median retail manager salary of $46,368 is 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average of $46,368. 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 retail manager salary of $46,368 in Milwaukee has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a retail manager in Milwaukee? ▼
Most retail manager positions in Milwaukee require a high school diploma. Key skills include Retail Management, Sales, Inventory Management, Customer Service. The job market is projected to grow 1% nationally over the next decade.