Milwaukee vs Wausau: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Milwaukee, WI and Wausau, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | Wausau, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,660▲ | $91,791 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.84▲ | $44.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,093 | $81,507▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,698▲ | $82,913 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,278▲ | $102,442 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,831▲ | $104,762 |
| Total Employed | 1,360▲ | 150 |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wausau.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and Wausau is $11,869 (12.93%). 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,Wausau spans $23,255. 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 7.94% more than Wausau ($99,072 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,831)
- ✓Larger job market (1,360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,935)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Wausau if…
- ✓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 37.5% growth in Wausau over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$71,160 (2020) → $98,780 (2025)
Wausau, WI
$63,630 (2020) → $87,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
Wausau, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Milwaukee or Wausau?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Wausau?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to Wausau as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Milwaukee vs Wausau?
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