Salary & Cost of Living in Waukesha, WI
Waukesha, WI: $50,534 median salary, cost of living index 90.5, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$50,534
$24/hr
Cost of Living
90.5
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
2.6%
rate
Waukesha, WI Overview
Population
72,489
Median Salary
$50,534
Average Salary
$56,598
Avg Commute
19 min
Median Home Price
$221,000
Median Rent
$920/mo
Job Growth
+2.9%
Sales Tax
5%
Waukesha is located in Wisconsin with a population of 72,489. The median household salary is $50,534 per year ($24/hour), which is $8,850 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2.9%.
Waukesha Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Wage distribution in Waukesha, WI based on BLS percentile breakdown of the $50,534 median salary. Entry-level represents 10th–25th percentile; mid-level is the median; senior-level represents 75th–90th percentile.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | Years Exp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $31,331 | $15.07/hr | 0–2 years |
| Mid-Level (Median) | $50,534 | $24.30/hr | 3–7 years |
| Senior-Level | $71,758 | $34.51/hr | 8–15 years |
| Top 10% (90th Percentile) | $89,951 | $43.25/hr | 15+ years / leadership |
Percentile multipliers (62%, 100%, 142%, 178%) derived from 2024 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics distribution across all occupations in metro areas. Specific roles vary; see jobs by city for role-specific data.
Waukesha Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Waukesha, WI, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$39,474
$3,289.51/month · $1,518.23/biweekly · Effective Rate: 21.9%
Gross Pay
$50,534
Federal Tax
-$4,026
State Tax
-$3,168
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,866
Net Pay
$39,474
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,211.17 | $50,534.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$335.47 | -$4,025.58 |
| Wisconsin State Tax (6.27%) | -$264.04 | -$3,168.48 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$261.09 | -$3,133.11 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$61.06 | -$732.74 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,289.51 | $39,474.09 |
Salary Comparison: Waukesha vs Other Cities
See how Waukesha's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waukesha, WI | $50,534 | 90.5 | $55,839 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Palm Harbor, FL | $50,522 | 102.9 | $49,098 |
| Baytown, TX | $50,554 | 96.6 | $52,333 |
| Wheeling, IL | $50,560 | 92.3 | $54,778 |
| Berwyn, IL | $50,506 | 95.6 | $52,831 |
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 Waukesha
Waukesha's cost of living index is 90.5 (national average = 100). Living in Waukesha is 9.5% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$221,000
Median Monthly Rent
$920
Annual Rent Cost
$11,040
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $39,474 annual take-home pay in Waukesha has the purchasing power of approximately $43,618 in an average-cost US area. Your $50,534 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Waukesha
Waukesha's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $50,534.
Salary Tips for Waukesha Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 6.27% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $24,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Waukesha's top industries include Manufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $50,534 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Waukesha, WI?
The median salary in Waukesha, WI is $50,534 per year, or $24 per hour. The average salary is $56,598. This is $8,850 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Waukesha, WI?
Waukesha's cost of living index is 90.5 (national average = 100), meaning it is 9.5% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $221,000 and the median monthly rent is $920.
What are the best industries in Waukesha?
The top industries in Waukesha, WI include Manufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare. The city has a job growth rate of 2.9% and an unemployment rate of 2.6%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $50,534.
How does Waukesha's salary compare to other cities?
Waukesha's median salary of $50,534 is 14.9% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 90.5), the real purchasing power is approximately $55,839.
What is the minimum wage in Waukesha, WI?
The minimum wage in Waukesha, 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.