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Painter Salary in Milwaukee, WI

How much does a painter make in Milwaukee? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Milwaukee's cost of living.

Median Salary
$50,610
per year in Milwaukee
Entry Level
$26,278
Starting salary
Senior Level
$70,076
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
96
4% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how painter salaries break down across different pay periods in Milwaukee.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$26,278$50,610$70,076
Monthly$2,190$4,218$5,840
Biweekly$1,011$1,947$2,695
Weekly$505$973$1,348
Hourly$13$24$34

Milwaukee vs National Average

How Milwaukee's painter salaries compare to national figures.

Milwaukee Salary
$50,610
COL Index: 96
National Average
$63,130
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$12,520
Lower in Milwaukee

Cost of Living in Milwaukee

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$51,234
per year
Population
577,222
residents
Rent % of Income
30.4%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 96 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Milwaukee have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Painter

Overview

Paint structures and surfaces for protection and aesthetics.

Education

High school diploma; apprenticeship preferred

Key Skills

Painting TechniquesSurface PreparationSafetyColor Matching

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +10% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Painter Salary

See Painter salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$58,450
+15%
Los Angeles, CA
$58,040
+15%
Chicago, IL
$63,140
+25%
Houston, TX
$44,980
-11%
Phoenix, AZ
$47,630
-6%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a painter salary in Milwaukee.

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Painter Salary in Milwaukee, WI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a painter in Milwaukee, WI is $50,610 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 96. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Milwaukee's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level painter professionals in Milwaukee can expect to earn around $26,278 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level painters earning approximately $70,076 per year. This represents a 167% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Milwaukee's cost of living index of 96 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Milwaukee are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $63,130, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a painter's salary in Milwaukee typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 30.8% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Painters are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 10% over the next decade. In Milwaukee, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.