Anesthesiologist Pay

Middleton vs Milwaukee: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)

Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Middleton, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Middleton, WI
$402,885
$193.69/hr
Milwaukee, WI
$478,664
$230.13/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMiddleton, WIMilwaukee, WI
Median Salary$402,885$478,664
Hourly Rate$193.69$230.13
Entry Level (P10)$233,673$277,625
25th Percentile$290,077$344,638
75th Percentile$498,260$605,410
Top Earner (P90)$550,429$693,977
Total Employed6113
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Middleton ($402,885) and Milwaukee ($478,664) anesthesiologist salaries.MiddletonMilwaukeeMedian Salary$402,885$478,664Entry Level (P10)$233,673$277,625Top Earner (P90)$550,429$693,977US Median $409,107

Verdict

Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Middleton.

The salary gap between Middleton and Milwaukee is $75,779 (18.81%). Milwaukee's median is +17.00% compared to the US national median of $409,107.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Middleton spans $316,756,Milwaukee spans $416,352. Milwaukee has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced anesthesiologists.

Middleton
P10 (Entry)$233,673
P25$290,077
Median$402,885
P75$498,260
P90 (Top)$550,429
Milwaukee
P10 (Entry)$277,625
P25$344,638
Median$478,664
P75$605,410
P90 (Top)$693,977

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($512,488 effective) pays 18.81% more than Middleton ($431,354 effective).

Middleton
Nominal: $402,885
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $431,354
Milwaukee
Nominal: $478,664
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $512,488

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Middleton if…

  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Milwaukee if…

  • Higher median salary ($478,664/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($693,977)
  • Larger job market (113 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $512,488)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Middleton grew 14.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.5% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.

Middleton, WI

+14.5%

$336,775 (2024) → $385,536 (2025)

Milwaukee, WI

+14.5%

$400,120 (2024) → $458,052 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Middleton or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a higher median anesthesiologist salary at $478,664/year, compared to Middleton at $402,885/year — a difference of $75,779 (18.81%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Middleton and Milwaukee?

Middleton anesthesiologists earn $193.69/hr while Milwaukee hygienists earn $230.13/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Middleton to Milwaukee as a anesthesiologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Middleton and Milwaukee. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Middleton = $431,354, Milwaukee = $512,488), job availability (6 vs 113 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Middleton vs Milwaukee?

Entry-level (10th percentile) anesthesiologists earn $233,673 in Middleton and $277,625 in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee area offers higher starting salaries.
MC

Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD

Career Analyst

Dr. Chen has over 10 years of experience in anesthesiology. She specializes in perioperative care at a major metropolitan hospital.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Raj Patel, MDData verified by Dr. Amina Khan, MD

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.50% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed anesthesiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov