Appleton vs Milwaukee: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician 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 | $51,504▲ | $46,277 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.76▲ | $22.25 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,609▲ | $41,401 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,267 | $44,681▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $60,678▲ | $56,614 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,574▲ | $72,106 |
| Total Employed | 90 | 1,310▲ |
Verdict
Appleton, WI offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Milwaukee.
The salary gap between Appleton and Milwaukee is $5,227 (11.30%). Appleton's median is +13.64% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $30,965,Milwaukee spans $30,705. Appleton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Appleton ($55,729 effective) pays 16.74% more than Milwaukee ($47,739 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Appleton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,504/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,574)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,729)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,310 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Appleton grew 30.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 16.1% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$38,690 (2021) → $50,292 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$38,910 (2021) → $45,188 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Appleton or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Appleton and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Appleton to Milwaukee as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Appleton vs Milwaukee?
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Written by Jessica Tran, CCRN
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years as a dialysis technician. She specializes in chronic kidney disease management. She works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.41% 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 Jessica Tran, CCRN, a licensed dialysis technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov