Wisconsin salaries by occupation
The median worker in Wisconsin earned $48,930 a year in 2024, about $23.52 an hour, 1.2% below the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 657 occupations.
Median pay $48,930 $23.52 per hour
Vs national median -1.2% U.S. $49,500
Workers 2,923,420 wage and salary
Occupations reported 657 with at least 100 employed
What Wisconsin is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Batchmakers | 5.72× | 18,610 | $46,760 |
| Print Binding and Finishing Workers | 4.58× | 3,160 | $40,190 |
| Foundry Mold and Coremakers | 3.77× | 910 | $44,420 |
| Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 3.77× | 6,930 | $57,760 |
| Engine and Other Machine Assemblers | 3.62× | 2,640 | $56,400 |
| Farm and Home Management Educators | 3.46× | 670 | $58,640 |
| Etchers and Engravers | 3.28× | 520 | $42,070 |
| Prepress Technicians and Workers | 3.25× | 1,420 | $46,600 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators | 3.21× | 10,760 | $55,550 |
| Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 3.18× | 9,320 | $44,360 |
Metro areas in Wisconsin
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 15 Wisconsin metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington | $57,640 | $27.71 | 1,931,660 | #22 |
| Madison | $54,620 | $26.26 | 405,450 | #38 |
| Oshkosh-Neenah | $50,320 | $24.19 | 93,760 | #69 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha | $49,720 | $23.90 | 819,450 | #88 |
| Fond du Lac | $49,590 | $23.84 | 44,700 | #92 |
| Sheboygan | $49,300 | $23.70 | 60,670 | #99 |
| Duluth | $48,610 | $23.37 | 124,530 | #112 |
| Green Bay | $48,580 | $23.36 | 171,070 | #115 |
| Appleton | $48,490 | $23.31 | 123,920 | #120 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska | $48,060 | $23.11 | 83,080 | #137 |
| Wausau | $47,970 | $23.06 | 70,000 | #141 |
| Kenosha | $47,590 | $22.88 | 74,050 | #159 |
| Janesville-Beloit | $47,410 | $22.79 | 69,210 | #168 |
| Eau Claire | $47,370 | $22.77 | 85,190 | #169 |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant | $47,290 | $22.73 | 76,560 | #176 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives | $209,090 | $100.53 | 4,440 | #6 of 33 |
| Dentists, General | $206,650 | $99.35 | 2,160 | #7 of 46 |
| Physicists | $174,010 | $83.66 | 220 | #7 of 26 |
| Podiatrists | $170,090 | $81.78 | 190 | #7 of 21 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $149,760 | $72.00 | 7,190 | #28 of 49 |
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | $142,360 | $68.44 | 450 | #13 of 33 |
| Pharmacists | $140,410 | $67.51 | 4,940 | #11 of 51 |
| Advertising and Promotions Managers | $139,540 | $67.09 | 160 | #5 of 24 |
| Database Architects | $138,930 | $66.79 | 360 | #12 of 41 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $138,710 | $66.69 | 4,770 | #43 of 49 |
| Optometrists | $137,650 | $66.18 | 750 | #14 of 47 |
| Financial Managers | $137,530 | $66.12 | 13,750 | #26 of 51 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 80,050 | $34,140 | $16.41 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 74,510 | $42,290 | $20.33 |
| Cashiers | 70,810 | $29,690 | $14.27 |
| Retail Salespersons | 67,610 | $33,640 | $16.18 |
| Registered Nurses | 64,960 | $86,070 | $41.38 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 60,570 | $28,500 | $13.70 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 55,100 | $45,980 | $22.10 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 52,980 | $57,380 | $27.59 |
| Office Clerks, General | 52,520 | $43,480 | $20.90 |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | 47,880 | $45,020 | $21.64 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in Wisconsin
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Production 83
- Gas Plant Operators $87,170
- Power Plant Operators $81,250
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $74,110
- Tool and Die Makers $65,850
- Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $65,820
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers $64,500
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $62,360
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $62,010
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $61,790
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic $58,890
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $57,760
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers $56,400
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $55,630
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $55,550
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $54,640
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $54,080
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $53,600
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $53,530
- Machinists $52,030
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $51,540
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders $51,410
- Chemical Plant and System Operators $51,000
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $50,750
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders $50,220
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $50,060
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $49,710
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders $49,160
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $49,150
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $49,020
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,840
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,730
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders $48,710
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers $48,700
- Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $48,400
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $48,170
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $48,100
- Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners $48,080
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders $47,980
- Printing Press Operators $47,970
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,950
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other $47,930
- Dental Laboratory Technicians $47,250
- Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other $46,930
- Food Batchmakers $46,760
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $46,680
- Prepress Technicians and Workers $46,600
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $46,570
- Pourers and Casters, Metal $46,170
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $46,150
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $45,870
- Upholsterers $45,530
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $45,470
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators $45,130
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $45,020
- Foundry Mold and Coremakers $44,420
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians $44,370
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $44,360
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $44,170
- Helpers--Production Workers $43,690
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $43,380
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $43,190
- Etchers and Engravers $42,070
- Medical Appliance Technicians $42,060
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand $42,030
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $41,400
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $41,140
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $41,020
- Production Workers, All Other $40,770
- Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers $40,440
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders $40,360
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers $40,190
- Furniture Finishers $40,010
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers $39,950
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $39,380
- Sewing Machine Operators $38,940
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers $38,640
- Cutters and Trimmers, Hand $38,370
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $38,270
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $37,500
- Bakers $36,620
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $36,620
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials $35,250
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $34,760
Education and library 55
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $105,710
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $103,740
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $103,030
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $99,730
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $98,680
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $97,290
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary $94,800
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary $91,460
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $84,910
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $82,980
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $82,300
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $81,770
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $81,740
- Instructional Coordinators $81,550
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $81,410
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $81,350
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $80,260
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $79,810
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $77,480
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $77,190
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $77,090
- Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary $76,680
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School $76,640
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $76,600
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $71,340
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $68,430
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $67,320
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $66,820
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary $64,690
- Special Education Teachers, All Other $64,690
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $64,150
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $64,000
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $63,650
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $63,610
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $61,990
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $61,960
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $61,620
- Curators $61,560
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $61,500
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $61,170
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $60,690
- Archivists $60,570
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $59,860
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $59,620
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $59,130
- Farm and Home Management Educators $58,640
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool $57,230
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $46,050
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $40,500
- Tutors $37,100
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $36,910
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $36,050
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $34,950
- Library Technicians $33,030
- Museum Technicians and Conservators $32,940
Office and administrative support 48
- Meter Readers, Utilities $87,610
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $66,800
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $66,260
- Brokerage Clerks $60,770
- Postal Service Clerks $60,590
- Cargo and Freight Agents $57,490
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $57,490
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $57,470
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $55,430
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $55,230
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $54,340
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $50,420
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $49,770
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $49,330
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $49,050
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $48,980
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $48,860
- Bill and Account Collectors $48,650
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $48,180
- Financial Clerks, All Other $48,080
- Procurement Clerks $48,060
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $48,020
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $47,840
- Billing and Posting Clerks $47,180
- New Accounts Clerks $47,150
- Word Processors and Typists $47,130
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $46,880
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $46,540
- Customer Service Representatives $45,980
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $45,930
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks $45,020
- File Clerks $44,650
- Office Clerks, General $43,480
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $43,400
- Order Clerks $42,660
- Proofreaders and Copy Markers $41,790
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $40,230
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $39,910
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $39,750
- Tellers $39,010
- Data Entry Keyers $38,740
- Library Assistants, Clerical $38,170
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $37,610
- Couriers and Messengers $37,170
- Gambling Cage Workers $36,670
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $36,500
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $34,800
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $33,850
Healthcare practitioners 47
- Dentists, General $206,650
- Podiatrists $170,090
- Pharmacists $140,410
- Optometrists $137,650
- Physician Assistants $132,820
- Medical Dosimetrists $131,410
- Nurse Practitioners $128,580
- Veterinarians $104,440
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $104,330
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $100,730
- Physical Therapists $100,440
- Radiation Therapists $90,760
- Audiologists $90,380
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists $87,470
- Genetic Counselors $87,240
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $86,720
- Occupational Therapists $86,660
- Orthotists and Prosthetists $86,290
- Registered Nurses $86,070
- Dental Hygienists $83,850
- Respiratory Therapists $82,160
- Speech-Language Pathologists $80,580
- Chiropractors $78,890
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $78,790
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $76,200
- Surgical Assistants $71,630
- Hearing Aid Specialists $71,110
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $69,450
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $68,630
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $68,080
- Surgical Technologists $65,870
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $63,340
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $61,040
- Exercise Physiologists $60,890
- Athletic Trainers $60,520
- Therapists, All Other $57,540
- Paramedics $56,010
- Medical Records Specialists $55,270
- Recreational Therapists $55,010
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $50,660
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $49,370
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $45,340
- Pharmacy Technicians $43,620
- Emergency Medical Technicians $43,340
- Opticians, Dispensing $43,320
- Psychiatric Technicians $38,760
- Dietetic Technicians $36,810
Installation, maintenance and repair 42
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $116,250
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $104,420
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $90,540
- Rail Car Repairers $84,750
- Signal and Track Switch Repairers $82,060
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $80,670
- Millwrights $76,730
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $72,260
- Riggers $67,500
- Medical Equipment Repairers $65,880
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $65,290
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $64,520
- Avionics Technicians $64,130
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $62,870
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $62,030
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $61,270
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery $60,700
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $60,190
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $60,150
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $59,630
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $54,930
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $51,470
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers $51,250
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $50,990
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $50,960
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $50,530
- Motorcycle Mechanics $50,270
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $50,060
- Home Appliance Repairers $49,910
- Mechanical Door Repairers $49,470
- Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians $48,480
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers $48,410
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $48,080
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers $47,720
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $46,830
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers $46,810
- Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners $44,220
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $42,930
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles $40,710
- Bicycle Repairers $40,330
- Tire Repairers and Changers $39,340
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $37,420
Construction and extraction 41
- Boilermakers $97,410
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $91,920
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $81,460
- Pipelayers $81,300
- Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers $81,020
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $79,440
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $78,700
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $78,510
- Sheet Metal Workers $75,970
- Electricians $75,090
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $72,650
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators $70,870
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical $70,810
- Construction and Building Inspectors $70,700
- Stonemasons $69,540
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $67,030
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers $63,750
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $63,490
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $61,200
- Glaziers $60,940
- Carpenters $60,390
- Tile and Stone Setters $58,850
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $57,990
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $57,830
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers $57,470
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $56,020
- Highway Maintenance Workers $54,780
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $54,640
- Plasterers and Stucco Masons $52,660
- Construction Laborers $51,980
- Carpet Installers $51,330
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters $50,900
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $50,020
- Roofers $49,690
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers $48,440
- Fence Erectors $46,390
- Helpers--Electricians $45,750
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $45,010
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other $39,340
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $38,770
- Helpers--Carpenters $38,220
Management 36
- Chief Executives $209,090
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $149,760
- Compensation and Benefits Managers $142,360
- Advertising and Promotions Managers $139,540
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $138,710
- Financial Managers $137,530
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $137,400
- Sales Managers $134,560
- Human Resources Managers $132,940
- Marketing Managers $131,110
- Fundraising Managers $129,020
- Medical and Health Services Managers $126,170
- Natural Sciences Managers $125,050
- Purchasing Managers $122,780
- Industrial Production Managers $117,720
- Training and Development Managers $117,570
- General and Operations Managers $113,170
- Construction Managers $113,170
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $109,240
- Administrative Services Managers $108,370
- Public Relations Managers $106,580
- Managers, All Other $105,690
- Facilities Managers $105,170
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $95,860
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $93,080
- Education Administrators, All Other $93,070
- Personal Service Managers, All Other $83,250
- Funeral Home Managers $82,440
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $80,960
- Social and Community Service Managers $79,700
- Emergency Management Directors $79,150
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $74,660
- Lodging Managers $64,890
- Legislators $58,850
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $57,790
- Food Service Managers $56,510
Life, physical and social science 33
- Physicists $174,010
- Materials Scientists $120,520
- Psychologists, All Other $107,540
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $103,860
- Biochemists and Biophysicists $102,380
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists $102,130
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $84,020
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $80,940
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $80,610
- School Psychologists $79,740
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $79,560
- Biological Scientists, All Other $77,520
- Economists $76,940
- Urban and Regional Planners $76,580
- Hydrologists $76,460
- Food Scientists and Technologists $76,090
- Conservation Scientists $75,940
- Chemists $75,020
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $68,980
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $65,960
- Foresters $65,960
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $63,790
- Soil and Plant Scientists $63,770
- Microbiologists $63,470
- Forensic Science Technicians $61,920
- Chemical Technicians $56,960
- Forest and Conservation Technicians $52,620
- Food Science Technicians $50,080
- Biological Technicians $49,570
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $49,050
- Social Science Research Assistants $47,380
- Agricultural Technicians $45,380
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $44,120
Transport and material moving 33
- Air Traffic Controllers $106,750
- Commercial Pilots $103,290
- Transportation Inspectors $100,310
- Locomotive Engineers $82,190
- Crane and Tower Operators $68,310
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters $67,670
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels $64,610
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $62,570
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $60,390
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $57,380
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders $54,560
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $51,100
- Sailors and Marine Oilers $48,180
- Bus Drivers, School $47,480
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers $47,470
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $46,660
- Light Truck Drivers $46,480
- Transportation Workers, All Other $43,450
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $42,290
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders $40,740
- Airfield Operations Specialists $37,480
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $37,290
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $36,820
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians $36,750
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $36,210
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $35,320
- Stockers and Order Fillers $34,760
- Passenger Attendants $31,610
- Parking Attendants $31,560
- Material Moving Workers, All Other $30,620
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $29,430
- Driver/Sales Workers $27,030
- Taxi Drivers $25,420
Architecture and engineering 30
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers $129,440
- Engineers, All Other $107,400
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $106,110
- Electrical Engineers $99,170
- Computer Hardware Engineers $98,040
- Materials Engineers $96,650
- Industrial Engineers $95,090
- Mechanical Engineers $94,820
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $93,310
- Chemical Engineers $92,530
- Civil Engineers $90,770
- Environmental Engineers $89,270
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $84,250
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists $77,100
- Surveyors $76,790
- Aerospace Engineers $75,790
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters $73,530
- Drafters, All Other $68,370
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $67,290
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians $66,150
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $65,790
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $64,680
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians $64,370
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $64,310
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $62,260
- Mechanical Drafters $61,960
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians $59,880
- Landscape Architects $59,500
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $54,760
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians $46,830
Business and financial 29
- Personal Financial Advisors $115,680
- Management Analysts $100,310
- Financial Risk Specialists $93,590
- Financial and Investment Analysts $88,230
- Project Management Specialists $88,020
- Labor Relations Specialists $85,620
- Financial Examiners $84,430
- Loan Officers $79,230
- Budget Analysts $79,100
- Accountants and Auditors $78,150
- Insurance Underwriters $77,940
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $76,660
- Logisticians $76,590
- Compliance Officers $75,780
- Cost Estimators $71,880
- Credit Analysts $70,640
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $70,090
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $68,990
- Training and Development Specialists $66,990
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $66,600
- Human Resources Specialists $66,370
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $65,000
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $64,530
- Fundraisers $64,000
- Financial Specialists, All Other $63,700
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $58,260
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $51,860
- Credit Counselors $51,340
- Tax Preparers $46,010
Arts, design, entertainment and media 28
- Art Directors $85,370
- Commercial and Industrial Designers $76,160
- Technical Writers $76,090
- Music Directors and Composers $73,580
- Public Relations Specialists $64,380
- Producers and Directors $63,200
- Writers and Authors $62,450
- Interior Designers $61,360
- Interpreters and Translators $61,000
- Editors $58,940
- Graphic Designers $58,380
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $57,770
- Special Effects Artists and Animators $55,970
- Film and Video Editors $54,660
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $52,670
- Sound Engineering Technicians $50,980
- Broadcast Technicians $50,820
- Audio and Video Technicians $48,280
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $47,080
- Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials $44,810
- Coaches and Scouts $41,790
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $40,490
- Photographers $39,440
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $36,240
- Floral Designers $33,480
- Dancers not reported
- Musicians and Singers not reported
- Disc Jockeys, Except Radio not reported
Personal care and service 24
- Costume Attendants $59,460
- Gambling Dealers $59,040
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers $53,950
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $50,020
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $49,930
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $45,740
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $42,490
- Animal Trainers $40,360
- Concierges $38,250
- Residential Advisors $37,880
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $36,550
- Funeral Attendants $35,610
- Tour and Travel Guides $35,360
- Barbers $34,360
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $34,180
- Recreation Workers $33,910
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops $32,050
- Skincare Specialists $29,880
- Childcare Workers $29,670
- Animal Caretakers $29,490
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $28,780
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $28,390
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $27,600
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants $23,740
Protective service 20
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $99,160
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $92,910
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $92,410
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $85,390
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $78,980
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other $77,380
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $74,490
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators $69,920
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $63,510
- Transportation Security Screeners $59,950
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $55,660
- Firefighters $47,710
- Private Detectives and Investigators $43,210
- Parking Enforcement Workers $43,090
- Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators $43,040
- Bailiffs $39,140
- Security Guards $39,110
- School Bus Monitors $37,070
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $36,780
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $29,190
Sales 20
- Sales Engineers $117,410
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $97,120
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $79,640
- Insurance Sales Agents $70,650
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $64,430
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $64,250
- Real Estate Brokers $63,690
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $61,710
- Advertising Sales Agents $60,680
- Real Estate Sales Agents $49,480
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $48,410
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $48,130
- Travel Agents $47,020
- Counter and Rental Clerks $43,950
- Parts Salespersons $40,780
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters $37,200
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers $36,410
- Retail Salespersons $33,640
- Telemarketers $32,280
- Cashiers $29,690
Computing and mathematics 18
- Database Architects $138,930
- Actuaries $122,140
- Computer Network Architects $121,060
- Computer Programmers $109,580
- Software Developers $103,360
- Data Scientists $100,020
- Information Security Analysts $99,210
- Database Administrators $98,920
- Computer Systems Analysts $98,790
- Statisticians $88,910
- Computer Occupations, All Other $85,290
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $82,780
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $81,850
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $80,210
- Computer Network Support Specialists $75,450
- Operations Research Analysts $74,970
- Web Developers $67,970
- Computer User Support Specialists $58,570
Community and social service 16
- Counselors, All Other $70,500
- Health Education Specialists $67,340
- Healthcare Social Workers $65,240
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $63,690
- Clergy $62,770
- Social Workers, All Other $62,510
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $62,470
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $60,470
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $58,670
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $57,590
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $54,670
- Community Health Workers $52,050
- Social and Human Service Assistants $46,420
- Rehabilitation Counselors $41,970
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education $37,960
- Marriage and Family Therapists $34,700
Healthcare support 16
- Physical Therapist Assistants $61,890
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $58,400
- Massage Therapists $57,530
- Medical Transcriptionists $48,820
- Dental Assistants $48,000
- Medical Assistants $47,610
- Medical Equipment Preparers $46,170
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $45,310
- Phlebotomists $45,230
- Nursing Assistants $43,250
- Occupational Therapy Aides $40,270
- Orderlies $40,090
- Pharmacy Aides $37,030
- Physical Therapist Aides $35,700
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $34,990
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $34,140
Food preparation and serving 16
- Chefs and Head Cooks $60,170
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $38,700
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $37,840
- Cooks, Restaurant $36,940
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other $34,850
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $34,490
- Food Preparation Workers $32,810
- Cooks, All Other $32,760
- Waiters and Waitresses $29,050
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $28,800
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $28,500
- Cooks, Fast Food $28,400
- Dishwashers $27,650
- Cooks, Short Order $27,300
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $26,260
- Bartenders $22,520
Farming, fishing and forestry 9
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $65,340
- Agricultural Inspectors $52,580
- Log Graders and Scalers $50,040
- Logging Equipment Operators $48,260
- Agricultural Equipment Operators $47,520
- Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products $40,470
- Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $36,100
- Forest and Conservation Workers $35,320
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $34,880
Building and grounds maintenance 7
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $62,500
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $48,510
- Pest Control Workers $48,370
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $47,040
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $39,310
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $35,850
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $34,080
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Wisconsin?
The median across all occupations is $48,930 a year, or $23.52 an hour, covering 2,923,420 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in Wisconsin?
Chief Executives ($209,090), Dentists, General ($206,650), Physicists ($174,010) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does Wisconsin employ the most people in?
Home Health and Personal Care Aides, with 80,050 employed at a median of $34,140. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. Wisconsin electricity averages 19.74¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.