Madison vs Pleasant Prairie: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Madison, WI and Pleasant Prairie, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Pleasant Prairie, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,591▲ | $91,457 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.33▲ | $43.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,260▲ | $67,147 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,964▲ | $74,139 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,140▲ | $112,514 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,728 | $139,536▲ |
| Total Employed | 770▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pleasant Prairie.
The salary gap between Madison and Pleasant Prairie is $11,134 (12.17%). Madison's median is -4.25% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $59,468,Pleasant Prairie spans $72,389. Pleasant Prairie 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, Madison ($105,452 effective) pays 7.69% more than Pleasant Prairie ($97,920 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,591/year)
- ✓Larger job market (770 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,452)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Pleasant Prairie if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,536)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Madison grew 17.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.4% growth in Pleasant Prairie over the same period.
Madison, WI
$84,940 (2019) → $99,680 (2025)
Pleasant Prairie, WI
$84,284 (2024) → $88,862 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Pleasant Prairie, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Madison or Pleasant Prairie?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Pleasant Prairie?
Should I relocate from Madison to Pleasant Prairie as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Madison vs Pleasant Prairie?
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