How does a Dentist's salary in Milwaukee compare to the rest of Wisconsin?

Milwaukee's cost of living index is 90 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted downward accordingly. A Dentist earning the city-adjusted median of $157,959 earns $101,559 more than the median household income in Milwaukee ($56,400).

Dentist Salary in Milwaukee, WI — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Milwaukee's cost of living (index: 90). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Dentist Salary in Milwaukee — Key Numbers

$157,959

Median Salary

$103,923

25th Percentile

$215,127

75th Percentile

$270,000

90th Percentile

National median (Dentist)$175,510

vs. National median-10.0%

Milwaukee median household income$56,400

vs. City household income+180.1%

Cost of Living in Milwaukee

Cost of Living Index

90(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$1,195/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio9.1%

Annual rent cost$14,340

Median Home Price$225,000

Home Price / Salary1.4×

20% Down Payment$45,000

Years to save (20% rate)1.4 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Milwaukee

4.6%

Unemployment Rate

1,590,000

Metro Population

24 min

Avg Commute

33.4

Median Age

Milwaukee has a metro population of 1,590,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.6% unemployment rate is near the national average.

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Dentist Salary in Wisconsin

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Milwaukee

Physician$206,370 Chief Executive Officer$189,000 IT Manager$152,559 Marketing Manager$141,858 Lawyer$131,184 HR Manager$122,715

Dentist Salary — Other Wisconsin Cities

Madison, WI$179,020

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dentist make in Milwaukee, WI?

The estimated median salary for a Dentist in Milwaukee is $157,959 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $175,510 adjusted by Milwaukee's cost of living index (90). The typical salary range runs from $103,923 (25th percentile) to $215,127 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $270,000.

Is Milwaukee affordable for a Dentist?

On a $157,959 annual salary, a Dentist in Milwaukee would spend approximately 9.1% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,195/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Milwaukee relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $225,000 is 1.4× the annual salary.

How does a Dentist's salary compare to Milwaukee's overall income?

Milwaukee's median household income is $56,400. A Dentist earning the city-adjusted median of $157,959 earns 180.1% more than the typical Milwaukee household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Dentist — National Dentist in Wisconsin All Salary Guides

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.