Milwaukee vs Waukesha: UX Designer Salary (2026)
Compare ux designer salaries between Milwaukee, WI and Waukesha, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | Waukesha, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,684 | $81,701▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.80 | $39.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,911▲ | $47,386 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,051▲ | $58,825 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,640▲ | $104,578 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $127,087▲ | $126,637 |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Milwaukee and Waukesha are closely matched on overall ux designer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and Waukesha is $1,017 (1.26%). Waukesha's median is -1.94% compared to the US national median of $83,320.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Milwaukee spans $78,176,Waukesha spans $79,251. Waukesha has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced ux designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Waukesha ($87,474 effective) pays 5.10% more than Milwaukee ($83,233 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,087)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Waukesha if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,701/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,474)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, ux designer salaries in Milwaukee grew 20.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -9.9% growth in Waukesha over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$62,940 (2021) → $75,533 (2025)
Waukesha, WI
$84,923 (2024) → $76,485 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
Waukesha, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays ux designers more: Milwaukee or Waukesha?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Waukesha?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to Waukesha as a ux designer?
What do entry-level ux designers earn in Milwaukee vs Waukesha?
Written by Maria Chen, MDes
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in user experience design. She specializes in usability testing and user research. Maria has worked with tech companies and startups.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.82% 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 Maria Chen, MDes, a licensed ux designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov