La Crosse vs Madison: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between La Crosse, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | La Crosse, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,267▲ | $102,591 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.61▲ | $49.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,257▲ | $78,260 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,347▲ | $82,964 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,079▲ | $125,140 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,655 | $137,728▲ |
| Total Employed | 190 | 770▲ |
Verdict
La Crosse and Madison are closely matched on overall mechanical engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between La Crosse and Madison is $2,676 (2.61%). La Crosse's median is -1.76% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in La Crosse spans $51,398,Madison spans $59,468. Madison has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, La Crosse ($114,709 effective) pays 8.78% more than Madison ($105,452 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose La Crosse if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,267/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,709)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,728)
- ✓Larger job market (770 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in La Crosse grew 11.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.4% growth in Madison over the same period.
La Crosse, WI
$91,570 (2019) → $102,280 (2025)
Madison, WI
$84,940 (2019) → $99,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
La Crosse, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: La Crosse or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between La Crosse and Madison?
Should I relocate from La Crosse to Madison as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in La Crosse vs Madison?
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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