Appleton vs Milwaukee: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Appleton, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,334 | $91,709▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.02 | $44.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,449 | $63,819▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $72,408 | $82,828▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $101,629 | $105,976▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,800 | $116,479▲ |
| Total Employed | 90 | 1,000▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Appleton.
The salary gap between Appleton and Milwaukee is $6,375 (7.47%). Milwaukee's median is -9.89% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $51,351,Milwaukee spans $52,660. Milwaukee has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($94,607 effective) pays 2.46% more than Appleton ($92,334 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Appleton if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($91,709/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,479)
- ✓Larger job market (1,000 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,607)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Appleton grew 31.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$62,490 (2019) → $82,060 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$74,030 (2019) → $88,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Appleton or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Appleton and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Appleton to Milwaukee as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Appleton vs Milwaukee?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov