Milwaukee vs River Falls: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Milwaukee, WI and River Falls, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | River Falls, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $124,329▲ | $107,386 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.77▲ | $51.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,670▲ | $62,284 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,761▲ | $87,074 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,268▲ | $135,374 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,205▲ | $166,449 |
| Total Employed | 430▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to River Falls.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and River Falls is $16,943 (15.78%). Milwaukee's median is -9.47% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Milwaukee spans $85,535,River Falls spans $104,165. River Falls has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($128,258 effective) pays 11.55% more than River Falls ($114,974 effective).
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 ($124,329/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,205)
- ✓Larger job market (430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,258)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose River Falls if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Milwaukee grew 25.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.4% growth in River Falls over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$94,000 (2019) → $117,780 (2025)
River Falls, WI
$100,332 (2024) → $101,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
River Falls, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Milwaukee or River Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and River Falls?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to River Falls as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Milwaukee vs River Falls?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov