Milwaukee vs West Bend: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Milwaukee, WI and West Bend, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | West Bend, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,962▲ | $118,825 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.48▲ | $57.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,959 | $68,919▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $100,728▲ | $85,554 |
| 75th Percentile | $213,438▲ | $152,096 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $403,149▲ | $184,179 |
| Total Employed | 2,150▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Bend.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and West Bend is $11,137 (9.37%). 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 Milwaukee spans $336,190,West Bend spans $115,260. 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 ($134,069 effective) pays 5.38% more than West Bend ($127,222 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 ($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
Choose West Bend if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Milwaukee grew 39.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.9% growth in West Bend over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$90,290 (2019) → $125,810 (2025)
West Bend, WI
$87,187 (2024) → $115,029 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
West Bend, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Milwaukee or West Bend?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and West Bend?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to West Bend as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Milwaukee vs West Bend?
Related Comparisons
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