Data Analyst Salary in Milwaukee 2026
Quick Answer
Data Analyst Salary in Milwaukee: Full Breakdown
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data from 2024, the average annual salary for a data analyst in Milwaukee is $110,910. This figure reflects mean compensation across the metropolitan area and provides a solid benchmark for job seekers and employers evaluating competitive pay rates in the region.
The $110,910 annual salary translates to approximately $9,243 per month (gross) or $53.31 per hour based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. This baseline is essential context as you evaluate job offers or plan your career trajectory in Milwaukee’s growing data analytics sector.
Milwaukee’s data analyst market reflects the region’s broader economic profile as a mid-sized metropolitan area with a diverse industrial base. The city has historically been a hub for manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services — all sectors that increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making. This demand supports competitive compensation for skilled analysts.
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Learn More →Cost of Living Context
Understanding your salary’s purchasing power requires examining Milwaukee’s cost of living relative to the national average. Milwaukee is generally considered an affordable Midwest city compared to coastal tech hubs, which means your $110,910 salary stretches further here than it would in cities like San Francisco or New York.
Housing costs are a primary consideration. Milwaukee’s median home value and rental market are substantially lower than national averages for major metropolitan areas. For renters, this affordability is particularly relevant — data analysts in Milwaukee can typically secure quality housing without the burden of extreme housing cost ratios that plague expensive coastal markets.
The cost-of-living advantage in Milwaukee is a significant recruiting and retention tool. A data analyst earning $110,910 in Milwaukee enjoys considerably more discretionary income and purchasing power than a peer earning a similar nominal salary in a high-cost-of-living area. This is particularly important when evaluating relocation opportunities or comparing job offers across different cities.
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Learn More →Job Outlook for Data Analysts
Data analytics remains one of the fastest-growing occupational fields in the United States. The demand for professionals who can extract actionable insights from complex datasets continues to accelerate across virtually all industries. Milwaukee’s diverse economy — spanning healthcare systems, manufacturing firms, financial institutions, and technology companies — creates robust demand for data analytics talent.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong growth in occupations related to data analysis and interpretation. Organizations across sectors are increasingly recognizing that competitive advantage depends on sophisticated data capabilities. This trend supports both wage growth and job security for qualified data analysts in Milwaukee.
Entry-level positions typically require a bachelor’s degree in fields such as mathematics, statistics, computer science, or business analytics. Many successful data analysts also pursue relevant certifications or bootcamp training to accelerate their career progression. The field values both formal education and demonstrated technical competency.
FAQ
What is the starting salary for a data analyst in Milwaukee?
Entry-level data analysts in Milwaukee typically earn less than the $110,910 average, though exact starting salaries depend on education, certifications, and specific employer. Recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field can expect to negotiate starting offers in the $55,000–$70,000 range, depending on the employer’s size and industry. Candidates with internship experience, relevant certifications (such as Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate or Microsoft certifications), or bootcamp training may command higher starting offers. Larger employers and those in competitive sectors (healthcare, finance) typically offer more competitive entry-level compensation.
How does the Milwaukee data analyst salary compare to other Midwest cities?
Milwaukee’s $110,910 average is competitive within the Midwest region. Larger metropolitan areas like Chicago and Minneapolis typically offer higher average salaries due to their larger talent markets and concentration of major corporations, while smaller Midwest cities may offer slightly lower averages. However, Milwaukee’s lower cost of living compared to these larger metros means that the real purchasing power of a Milwaukee data analyst’s salary is often superior. When evaluating relocation opportunities, it’s essential to compare nominal salary against cost-of-living differences rather than salary figures alone.
Is it worth moving to Milwaukee for a data analyst position?
Whether relocating to Milwaukee makes financial sense depends on your current location and personal circumstances. Milwaukee offers several advantages: affordable housing, reasonable cost of living, a growing job market for analytics professionals, and a lower-stress work environment compared to major tech hubs. If you’re currently in a high-cost area with stagnant wages, a Milwaukee position at $110,910 may actually provide better financial outcomes and quality of life. However, if you’re in a major tech hub earning significantly more, the nominal salary cut may not be offset by cost-of-living savings. Consider total compensation (benefits, remote work options, professional development opportunities) and your career growth trajectory, not just base salary.
What skills command the highest salaries for data analysts in Milwaukee?
While specific skill premium data isn’t available from the BLS OEWS dataset used here, industry trends indicate that advanced technical skills — particularly in Python, SQL, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), machine learning, and advanced statistical analysis — typically command higher compensation. Data analysts who combine technical expertise with business acumen and communication skills (the ability to translate complex findings for non-technical stakeholders) are particularly valuable and often earn above the $110,910 average.
Do data analysts in Milwaukee typically work remote?
Remote work prevalence among Milwaukee data analysts varies by employer and industry. Many technology companies and larger corporations now offer hybrid or fully remote arrangements, while some traditional employers may require on-site presence. The rise of remote work has actually benefited Milwaukee’s talent market by allowing local professionals to access higher-paying opportunities with out-of-state employers while maintaining Milwaukee’s cost-of-living advantages. When evaluating job offers, clarify remote work policies, as this can significantly impact your effective compensation and lifestyle.
Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. Data represents the Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA code 33340), SOC code 15-2051 (Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations - Data Analysts category).
Last Updated: April 10, 2026
Disclaimer: This article presents salary data based on public sources including the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Actual compensation varies based on individual qualifications, employer, industry, experience, and negotiation. This information is provided for educational and research purposes and should not be considered financial or career advice. Consult with career counselors, recruiters, or industry professionals for personalized guidance.