In Milwaukee, WI, Accountants earn a median of $78,260 a year — about 14% below the U.S. median of $90,780. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #33.
What that pay is worth in Milwaukee
Local prices run 97 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $86,370 salary stretches further than the sticker number — about $89,099 in national-average buying power.
Can Accountants afford a home in Milwaukee?
A typical Milwaukee home runs about $172,000 — 2.0 times the average Accountant salary, very affordable against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,033/mo takes roughly 14% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Accountant pay ladder in Milwaukee
Entry-level (10th percentile) Accountants earn about $54,760; the top 10% reach $128,690 — a $73,930 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Accountant job market in Milwaukee
Milwaukee employs roughly 8,600 Accountants. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Milwaukee with other cities
See the full Accountant salary by city ranking to weigh Milwaukee against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Accountants make in Milwaukee?
The average Accountant in Milwaukee, WI earns about $86,370 per year, 4.9% below the national average of $90,780.
What is the take-home pay for Accountants in Milwaukee after taxes?
After federal and WI taxes, this $86,370 salary is worth about $66,357 a year - roughly $5,529 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 23%.
What do the highest-paid Accountants earn in Milwaukee?
The top 10% of Accountants in Milwaukee earn about $128,690 a year, versus about $54,760 for the bottom 10%.
Can Accountants afford a home in Milwaukee?
A typical Milwaukee home runs about $172,000 - roughly 2.0x this salary, within reach by the classic 3x rule of thumb.