Salary & Cost of Living in Eau Claire, WI
Eau Claire, WI: $52,000 median salary, cost of living index 88, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$52,000
$25/hr
Cost of Living
88
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
2.5%
rate
Eau Claire, WI Overview
Population
69,421
Median Salary
$52,000
Average Salary
$58,000
Avg Commute
18 min
Median Home Price
$220,000
Median Rent
$950/mo
Job Growth
+1.5%
Sales Tax
5.5%
Eau Claire is located in Wisconsin with a population of 69,421. The median household salary is $52,000 per year ($25/hour), which is $7,384 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.5%.
Eau Claire Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Eau Claire, WI, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$41,065
$3,422.04/month · $1,579.40/biweekly · Effective Rate: 21.0%
Gross Pay
$52,000
Federal Tax
-$4,202
State Tax
-$2,756
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,978
Net Pay
$41,065
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,333.33 | $52,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$350.13 | -$4,201.50 |
| Wisconsin State Tax (5.3%) | -$229.67 | -$2,756.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$268.67 | -$3,224.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$62.83 | -$754.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,422.04 | $41,064.50 |
Salary Comparison: Eau Claire vs Other Cities
See how Eau Claire's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eau Claire, WI | $52,000 | 88 | $59,091 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Auburn, AL | $52,000 | 90 | $57,778 |
| Bakersfield, CA | $52,000 | 96 | $54,167 |
| Fontana, CA | $52,000 | 102 | $50,980 |
| Oxnard, CA | $52,000 | 118 | $44,068 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Eau Claire
Eau Claire's cost of living index is 88 (national average = 100). Living in Eau Claire is 12% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$220,000
Median Monthly Rent
$950
Annual Rent Cost
$11,400
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $41,065 annual take-home pay in Eau Claire has the purchasing power of approximately $46,664 in an average-cost US area. Your $52,000 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Eau Claire
Eau Claire's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $52,000.
Salary Tips for Eau Claire Workers
- Your salary goes further here. Eau Claire has a cost of living 12% below the national average. A salary of $52,000 here has the purchasing power of about $59,091 in an average-cost area.
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 5.3% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Eau Claire's top industries include Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $52,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Eau Claire, WI?
The median salary in Eau Claire, WI is $52,000 per year, or $25 per hour. The average salary is $58,000. This is $7,384 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Eau Claire, WI?
Eau Claire's cost of living index is 88 (national average = 100), meaning it is 12% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $220,000 and the median monthly rent is $950.
What are the best industries in Eau Claire?
The top industries in Eau Claire, WI include Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing. The city has a job growth rate of 1.5% and an unemployment rate of 2.5%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $52,000.
How does Eau Claire's salary compare to other cities?
Eau Claire's median salary of $52,000 is 12.4% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 88), the real purchasing power is approximately $59,091.
What is the minimum wage in Eau Claire, WI?
The minimum wage in Eau Claire, WI is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.