Janesville vs Milwaukee: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Janesville, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Janesville, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,282 | $101,613▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.29 | $48.85▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,255▲ | $67,299 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,077 | $81,379▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $113,665▲ | $112,883 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,554▲ | $136,472 |
| Total Employed | 150 | 2,200▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Janesville.
The salary gap between Janesville and Milwaukee is $5,331 (5.54%). Milwaukee's median is -5.17% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Janesville spans $73,299,Milwaukee spans $69,173. Janesville 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, Milwaukee ($104,824 effective) pays 2.02% more than Janesville ($102,752 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Janesville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($142,554)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,613/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,824)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Janesville grew 25.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.8% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Janesville, WI
$74,770 (2019) → $93,550 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$80,390 (2019) → $98,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Janesville, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Janesville or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Janesville and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Janesville to Milwaukee as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Janesville vs Milwaukee?
Related Comparisons
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