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Federal Government Employee Salary in Milwaukee, WI β€” 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.

Federal Government Employee Salary in Milwaukee β€” Key Numbers

$87,300
Median Salary
$57,600
25th Percentile
$121,500
75th Percentile
$157,500
90th Percentile
National median (Federal Government Employee)$97,000
vs. National median-10.0%
Milwaukee median household income$56,400
vs. City household income+54.8%

Cost of Living in Milwaukee

Cost of Living Index
90(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,195/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio16.4%
Annual rent cost$14,340
Median Home Price$225,000
Home Price / Salary2.6Γ—
20% Down Payment$45,000
Years to save (20% rate)2.6 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— 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.

Federal Government Employee Salary β€” Other Wisconsin Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Federal Government Employee make in Milwaukee, WI?

The estimated median salary for a Federal Government Employee in Milwaukee is $87,300 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $97,000 adjusted by Milwaukee's cost of living index (90). The typical salary range runs from $57,600 (25th percentile) to $121,500 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $157,500.

Is Milwaukee affordable for a Federal Government Employee?

On a $87,300 annual salary, a Federal Government Employee in Milwaukee would spend approximately 16.4% 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 2.6Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Federal Government Employee's salary compare to Milwaukee's overall income?

Milwaukee's median household income is $56,400. A Federal Government Employee earning the city-adjusted median of $87,300 earns 54.8% more than the typical Milwaukee household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

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.