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HOURLY WAGE INDEX

Let’s talk wages in Milwaukee

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$7.25

What is the minimum wage in Milwaukee?

The minimum wage in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is currently $7.25 per hour. This is the same as the federal minimum wage, and it has not been increased since 2009. The minimum wage in Milwaukee is lower than the national average of $7.50 per hour. However, it is higher than the minimum wages in some surrounding states, such as Illinois ($11.00 per hour) and Minnesota ($10.59 per hour).

The minimum wage in Milwaukee is not indexed to inflation, so it has lost purchasing power over time. In 2009, the minimum wage in Milwaukee was worth about $8.60 in today's dollars. The impact of the minimum wage on workers in Milwaukee is mixed. Some workers benefit from the minimum wage, as it provides them with a basic level of income. However, other workers may be negatively affected by the minimum wage, as it can lead to job losses or reduced hours. The cost of living in Milwaukee varies depending on the individual's circumstances. However, a livable wage in Milwaukee is generally considered to be between $15 and $20 per hour.

The exact amount of a livable wage depends on a number of factors, including the worker's family size, housing costs, and healthcare costs. However, a livable wage in Milwaukee is generally considered to be between $15 and $20 per hour. The number of workers in Milwaukee making minimum wage is estimated to be around 100,000. This number includes both full-time and part-time workers. The majority of workers in Milwaukee making minimum wage are young adults and people of color. They are also more likely to be women than men.

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$15-20

What is the living wage in Milwaukee?

A livable wage in Milwaukee is generally considered to be between $15 and $20 per hour. This is the amount of money that a worker needs to earn in order to meet their basic needs, such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. The exact amount of a livable wage depends on factors such as family size, housing costs, and healthcare costs.

Wages aren’t everything!

While pay is one of the main factors that hourly employees consider when choosing to join (or stay at) a company, it’s not the end all be all. Research shows that advancement opportunities, supportive management, and schedule flexibility are all incredibly important as well.

Want to learn more about this trend? We dive deep into the data behind which perks and benefits matter most to hourly workers. Check out our full conversation with expert Sara Wasserteil of Cara Collective.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between gross wages and net wages?

It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.

What is a good hourly wage?

This question is a difficult one to answer, as a "good hourly wage" is highly subjective according to experience, work responsibilities, cost of living, and other factors. We recommend using Hourly Wage Index data as a starting point. Once you have established a baseline for certain positions, do further research into similar businesses in your area.

Lastly, consider surveying your employees. They're the best resource to help you know what is a good hourly wage, what competitive pay looks like in your location, and how competitive wages change in your industry over time.

Offering competitive pay is one of my top priorities—what other resources do you have that might help?

We know that getting applicants to pay attention to your business can be extremely challenging, and that offering competitive pay is a huge part of that. Wages aren’t everything, however! Applicant experience is another important factor that can help set you apart from your competition. A few examples include:

  • Short, easy to understand job descriptions
  • Mobile-friendliness
  • Quick communication
  • Streamlined interview stages
Resources

Learn more about hiring and
retaining the hourly workforce

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GUIDE

4 secrets to increasing loyalty among today’s deskless workforce

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HIRING HACKS

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Checking the box on hiring and retention

We're here to help!

A Workstream hiring specialist can help you identify high impact ways to improve your applicant experience, and even help you determine what is a good hourly wage for your location and business.

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Learn about wages in your city