Appleton vs Milwaukee: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer 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 | $79,995 | $84,602▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.46 | $40.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,527 | $67,061▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,925 | $80,912▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,407 | $95,547▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,351 | $96,578▲ |
| Total Employed | 340 | 3,660▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Appleton.
The salary gap between Appleton and Milwaukee is $4,607 (5.76%). Milwaukee's median is +7.72% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $32,824,Milwaukee spans $29,517. 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, Milwaukee ($87,275 effective) pays 0.83% more than Appleton ($86,557 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 ($84,602/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,578)
- ✓Larger job market (3,660 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,275)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Appleton grew 23.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.3% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$62,890 (2019) → $77,620 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$74,420 (2019) → $82,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Appleton or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Appleton and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Appleton to Milwaukee as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Appleton vs Milwaukee?
Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov