Green Bay vs South Milwaukee: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Green Bay, WI and South Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Green Bay, WI | South Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,208▲ | $91,471 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.74▲ | $43.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,076 | $67,283▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,488▲ | $74,169 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,589 | $110,574▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,052▲ | $139,860 |
| Total Employed | 460▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Green Bay, WI offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Milwaukee.
The salary gap between Green Bay and South Milwaukee is $5,737 (6.27%). Green Bay's median is -9.28% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Green Bay spans $75,976,South Milwaukee spans $72,577. Green Bay 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, Green Bay ($104,428 effective) pays 6.63% more than South Milwaukee ($97,935 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Green Bay if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,208/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,052)
- ✓Larger job market (460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,428)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose South Milwaukee if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Green Bay grew 17.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.4% growth in South Milwaukee over the same period.
Green Bay, WI
$80,130 (2019) → $94,450 (2025)
South Milwaukee, WI
$84,297 (2024) → $88,876 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Green Bay, WI
South Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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 Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov