Green Bay vs Milwaukee: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Green Bay, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Green Bay, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,306 | $105,565▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.19 | $50.75▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,730 | $85,134▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,757 | $97,142▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $116,876▲ | $116,354 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,208 | $128,249▲ |
| Total Employed | 340 | 1,710▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Green Bay.
The salary gap between Green Bay and Milwaukee is $3,259 (3.19%). Milwaukee's median is +0.26% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Green Bay spans $44,478,Milwaukee spans $43,115. Green Bay has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Green Bay ($109,905 effective) pays 0.92% more than Milwaukee ($108,901 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Green Bay if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,905)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,565/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,249)
- ✓Larger job market (1,710 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Green Bay grew 10.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.7% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Green Bay, WI
$90,050 (2019) → $99,850 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$88,250 (2019) → $103,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Green Bay, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Green Bay or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Green Bay and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Green Bay to Milwaukee as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Green Bay vs Milwaukee?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov