Physical Therapist Pay

Milwaukee vs Muskego: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare physical therapist salaries between Milwaukee, WI and Muskego, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Milwaukee, WI
$105,565
$50.75/hr
Muskego, WI
$99,122
$47.65/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMilwaukee, WIMuskego, WI
Median Salary$105,565$99,122
Hourly Rate$50.75$47.65
Entry Level (P10)$85,134$80,653
25th Percentile$97,142$86,544
75th Percentile$116,354$113,009
Top Earner (P90)$128,249$122,299
Total Employed1,7106
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Milwaukee ($105,565) and Muskego ($99,122) physical therapist salaries.MilwaukeeMuskegoMedian Salary$105,565$99,122Entry Level (P10)$85,134$80,653Top Earner (P90)$128,249$122,299US Median $105,288

Verdict

Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Muskego.

The salary gap between Milwaukee and Muskego is $6,443 (6.50%). 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 Milwaukee spans $43,115,Muskego spans $41,646. Milwaukee has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Milwaukee
P10 (Entry)$85,134
P25$97,142
Median$105,565
P75$116,354
P90 (Top)$128,249
Muskego
P10 (Entry)$80,653
P25$86,544
Median$99,122
P75$113,009
P90 (Top)$122,299

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($108,901 effective) pays 2.61% more than Muskego ($106,126 effective).

Milwaukee
Nominal: $105,565
CoL Index: 96.937
Adjusted: $108,901
Muskego
Nominal: $99,122
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $106,126

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Milwaukee if…

  • Higher median salary ($105,565/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($128,249)
  • Larger job market (1,710 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,901)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Muskego if…

  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Milwaukee grew 16.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.4% growth in Muskego over the same period.

Milwaukee, WI

+16.7%

$88,250 (2019) → $103,030 (2025)

Muskego, WI

+16.4%

$83,087 (2024) → $96,742 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays physical therapists more: Milwaukee or Muskego?

Milwaukee has a higher median physical therapist salary at $105,565/year, compared to Muskego at $99,122/year — a difference of $6,443 (6.50%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Muskego?

Milwaukee physical therapists earn $50.75/hr while Muskego hygienists earn $47.65/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Milwaukee to Muskego as a physical therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Milwaukee and Muskego. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Milwaukee = $108,901, Muskego = $106,126), job availability (1,710 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Milwaukee vs Muskego?

Entry-level (10th percentile) physical therapists earn $85,134 in Milwaukee and $80,653 in Muskego. The Milwaukee area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AM

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.

Clinically reviewed by Jordan Lee, DPTData verified by Maria Garcia, DPT

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