Pharmacist Salary

Milwaukee vs Oshkosh: Pharmacist Salary (2026)

Compare pharmacist salaries between Milwaukee, WI and Oshkosh, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Milwaukee, WI
$156,146
$75.07/hr
Oshkosh, WI
$146,788
$70.57/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMilwaukee, WIOshkosh, WI
Median Salary$156,146$146,788
Hourly Rate$75.07$70.57
Entry Level (P10)$122,807$110,577
25th Percentile$135,841$129,955
75th Percentile$173,498$167,225
Top Earner (P90)$184,221$173,101
Total Employed1,760130
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Milwaukee ($156,146) and Oshkosh ($146,788) pharmacist salaries.MilwaukeeOshkoshMedian Salary$156,146$146,788Entry Level (P10)$122,807$110,577Top Earner (P90)$184,221$173,101US Median $143,489

Verdict

Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oshkosh.

The salary gap between Milwaukee and Oshkosh is $9,358 (6.38%). Milwaukee's median is +8.82% compared to the US national median of $143,489.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Milwaukee spans $61,414,Oshkosh spans $62,524. Oshkosh has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.

Milwaukee
P10 (Entry)$122,807
P25$135,841
Median$156,146
P75$173,498
P90 (Top)$184,221
Oshkosh
P10 (Entry)$110,577
P25$129,955
Median$146,788
P75$167,225
P90 (Top)$173,101

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($161,080 effective) pays 1.98% more than Oshkosh ($157,957 effective).

Milwaukee
Nominal: $156,146
CoL Index: 96.937
Adjusted: $161,080
Oshkosh
Nominal: $146,788
CoL Index: 92.929
Adjusted: $157,957

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 ($156,146/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($184,221)
  • Larger job market (1,760 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,080)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Oshkosh if…

  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Milwaukee grew 14.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.8% growth in Oshkosh over the same period.

Milwaukee, WI

+14.0%

$134,550 (2019) → $153,340 (2025)

Oshkosh, WI

+6.8%

$134,990 (2019) → $144,150 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays pharmacists more: Milwaukee or Oshkosh?

Milwaukee has a higher median pharmacist salary at $156,146/year, compared to Oshkosh at $146,788/year — a difference of $9,358 (6.38%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Oshkosh?

Milwaukee pharmacists earn $75.07/hr while Oshkosh hygienists earn $70.57/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Milwaukee to Oshkosh as a pharmacist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Milwaukee and Oshkosh. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Milwaukee = $161,080, Oshkosh = $157,957), job availability (1,760 vs 130 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Milwaukee vs Oshkosh?

Entry-level (10th percentile) pharmacists earn $122,807 in Milwaukee and $110,577 in Oshkosh. The Milwaukee area offers higher starting salaries.
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD

Career Analyst

Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Patel, PharmDData verified by Amina Al-Sayed, PharmD

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov