Brookfield vs Milwaukee: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Brookfield, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brookfield, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,343 | $102,530▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.40 | $49.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,883 | $82,911▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,050 | $86,954▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $102,629 | $110,575▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,093 | $125,835▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 22,400▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brookfield.
The salary gap between Brookfield and Milwaukee is $10,187 (11.03%). Milwaukee's median is -0.19% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brookfield spans $56,210,Milwaukee spans $42,924. Brookfield 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, Milwaukee ($105,770 effective) pays 6.98% more than Brookfield ($98,868 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brookfield if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,530/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,835)
- ✓Larger job market (22,400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,770)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Brookfield grew 15.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.2% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Brookfield, WI
$76,216 (2024) → $87,687 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$73,080 (2019) → $97,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brookfield, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Brookfield or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brookfield and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Brookfield to Milwaukee as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Brookfield vs Milwaukee?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov