Appleton vs Milwaukee: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy 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 | $47,617 | $49,873▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.89 | $23.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,695 | $38,602▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,130 | $40,552▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,920 | $54,354▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,348 | $64,202▲ |
| Total Employed | 350 | 3,170▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Appleton.
The salary gap between Appleton and Milwaukee is $2,256 (4.74%). Milwaukee's median is +3.39% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $25,653,Milwaukee spans $25,600. 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 ($51,523 effective) pays 0.14% more than Milwaukee ($51,449 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Appleton if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,523)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,873/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,202)
- ✓Larger job market (3,170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Appleton grew 24.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.1% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$36,300 (2019) → $45,160 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$34,760 (2019) → $47,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Appleton or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Appleton and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Appleton to Milwaukee as a pharmacy technician?
What do entry-level pharmacy technicians earn in Appleton vs Milwaukee?
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Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.44% 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 Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov