Salary & Cost of Living in Wauwatosa, WI
Wauwatosa, WI: $48,192 median salary, cost of living index 85.7, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$48,192
$23/hr
Cost of Living
85.7
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
3.1%
rate
Wauwatosa, WI Overview
Population
48,143
Median Salary
$48,192
Average Salary
$53,975
Avg Commute
19 min
Median Home Price
$225,000
Median Rent
$924/mo
Job Growth
+1.9%
Sales Tax
5%
Wauwatosa is located in Wisconsin with a population of 48,143. The median household salary is $48,192 per year ($23/hour), which is $11,192 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.9%.
Wauwatosa Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Wage distribution in Wauwatosa, WI based on BLS percentile breakdown of the $48,192 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 | $29,879 | $14.37/hr | 0–2 years |
| Mid-Level (Median) | $48,192 | $23.17/hr | 3–7 years |
| Senior-Level | $68,433 | $32.90/hr | 8–15 years |
| Top 10% (90th Percentile) | $85,782 | $41.24/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.
Wauwatosa Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Wauwatosa, WI, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$37,739
$3,144.93/month · $1,451.51/biweekly · Effective Rate: 21.7%
Gross Pay
$48,192
Federal Tax
-$3,745
State Tax
-$3,022
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,687
Net Pay
$37,739
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,016.00 | $48,192.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$312.05 | -$3,744.54 |
| Wisconsin State Tax (6.27%) | -$251.80 | -$3,021.64 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$248.99 | -$2,987.90 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$58.23 | -$698.78 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,144.93 | $37,739.13 |
Salary Comparison: Wauwatosa vs Other Cities
See how Wauwatosa's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wauwatosa, WI | $48,192 | 85.7 | $56,233 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Sunrise, FL | $48,190 | 95.2 | $50,620 |
| Downers Grove, IL | $48,194 | 84.3 | $57,170 |
| Delaware, OH | $48,181 | 81.1 | $59,409 |
| Abington, PA | $48,206 | 96.9 | $49,748 |
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 Wauwatosa
Wauwatosa's cost of living index is 85.7 (national average = 100). Living in Wauwatosa is 14.299999999999997% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$225,000
Median Monthly Rent
$924
Annual Rent Cost
$11,088
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $37,739 annual take-home pay in Wauwatosa has the purchasing power of approximately $44,036 in an average-cost US area. Your $48,192 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Wauwatosa
Wauwatosa's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $48,192.
Salary Tips for Wauwatosa Workers
- Your salary goes further here. Wauwatosa has a cost of living 14.299999999999997% below the national average. A salary of $48,192 here has the purchasing power of about $56,233 in an average-cost area.
- 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. Wauwatosa's top industries include Manufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $48,192 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
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Wauwatosa, WI?
The median salary in Wauwatosa, WI is $48,192 per year, or $23 per hour. The average salary is $53,975. This is $11,192 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Wauwatosa, WI?
Wauwatosa's cost of living index is 85.7 (national average = 100), meaning it is 14.299999999999997% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $225,000 and the median monthly rent is $924.
What are the best industries in Wauwatosa?
The top industries in Wauwatosa, WI include Manufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare. The city has a job growth rate of 1.9% and an unemployment rate of 3.1%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $48,192.
How does Wauwatosa's salary compare to other cities?
Wauwatosa's median salary of $48,192 is 18.8% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 85.7), the real purchasing power is approximately $56,233.
What is the minimum wage in Wauwatosa, WI?
The minimum wage in Wauwatosa, 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.