Appleton vs Milwaukee: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Appleton, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $119,522 | $129,962▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $57.47 | $62.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,323▲ | $66,959 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,056 | $100,728▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $152,988 | $213,438▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $185,259 | $403,149▲ |
| Total Employed | 17 | 2,150▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Appleton.
The salary gap between Appleton and Milwaukee is $10,440 (8.73%). Milwaukee's median is +19.74% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $115,936,Milwaukee spans $336,190. Milwaukee has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced financial advisors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($134,069 effective) pays 4.77% more than Appleton ($127,968 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Appleton if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,962/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($403,149)
- ✓Larger job market (2,150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,069)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Appleton grew 48.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.3% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$77,840 (2019) → $115,704 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$90,290 (2019) → $125,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Appleton or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Appleton and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Appleton to Milwaukee as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Appleton vs Milwaukee?
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Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.30% 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 Jordan Lee, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov