Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer Salary in Manitowoc, WI: $69,476 (2026)
Quick Answer:New mechanical engineers entering the Manitowoc, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,476 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2141, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manitowoc's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,385 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($92,081) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For recent graduates entering the mechanical engineering field in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, the starting mechanical engineer salary can be expected to be around $69,476. While this figure quite notably lags behind the city’s median annual salary of $92,081, new grads should keep in mind that there is a clear upward trajectory. In the first few years on the job, entry-level engineers can progress from this starting point to around $76,337, and potentially reach the median as they gain experience and develop their skills. Manitowoc's market for new engineers remains competitive, indicating that recent graduates have viable opportunities for advancement and professional growth within this region, especially considering the robust 2.92% annual growth rate projected.
About the Manitowoc Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manitowoc
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manitowoc
Entry-level mechanical engineers in Manitowoc, WI typically start between $69,476 and $76,337 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $71,395 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $92,081 — 14.06% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average mechanical engineering program cost in Wisconsin of $55,000 represents just 79.16% of the starting mechanical engineer pay ($69,476/year) in Manitowoc. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover ABET-accredited undergraduate mechanical engineering programs. Many employers value or require the FE exam early in career, with PE typical for specific industries (consulting, manufacturing safety).
ME, PE Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Manitowoc
- 1Research the Manitowoc market: entry-level mechanical engineer pay ranges from $69,476 to $76,337, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the mechanical engineering field — employers in WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Manitowoc, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Manitowoc for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manitowoc's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Mechanical Engineer Compensation Range
The mechanical engineer wage spread in Manitowoc is $71,395 ( 102.76%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,476, experienced hygienists can earn up to $140,871.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,123
2025 BLS Actual
$67,505
2026 Current Est.
$69,476
2019–2027 Growth
+37.2%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Manitowoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,123 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,291 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,425 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,557 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,902 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,627 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,505 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,476 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,505 | Projected |
Entry-level mechanical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Manitowoc, WI grew 29.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,123 in 2019 to $67,505 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $71,505. New graduates entering the Manitowoc job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manitowoc metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.92% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your mechanical engineering Career in Manitowoc
Many employers in Manitowoc actively seek new graduates with a mechanical engineering background. Key industries such as automotive, aerospace, and HVAC are prominent players. Companies like Tesla and Ford often recruit through structured rotational programs, while aerospace giants like Boeing take a keen interest in graduates with security clearances for roles that are increasingly involved in cutting-edge projects. To enhance starting pay and marketability, new engineers should focus on obtaining an ABET-accredited degree, completing the FE exam during their academic tenure, and pursuing a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Moreover, securing early career positions in fast-growing fields such as HVAC or consumer products, where companies like Apple and Google offer competitive compensation, can lead to substantial salary growth. In the first few years, engineers in Manitowoc can expect their earnings to rise as they gain valuable experience, positioning themselves advantageously in the evolving job market.
More salary data for Manitowoc, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for mechanical engineers in Manitowoc in 2026?
How fast do mechanical engineer salaries grow in Manitowoc?
Is mechanical engineering school worth it in Manitowoc?
What do new mechanical engineers make right out of school in Manitowoc?
How do I become a mechanical engineer in Wisconsin?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new mechanical engineering graduates. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Manitowoc. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manitowoc is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.92%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for mechanical engineers (SOC 17-2141).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov