Mechanical Engineer Salary in Wisconsin: $97,101 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Wisconsin's 46 metropolitan areas, the average median mechanical engineer pay sits at $97,101/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 17-2141. Because Wisconsin sits at BEA RPP 93.4 (7% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $103,963 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Onalaska ($103,651), La Crosse ($102,280), Waukesha ($99,974).
In 2026, the average median salary for mechanical engineers in Wisconsin is projected to be $97,101, which is 9.4% below the national median of $107,150. This gap highlights the regional variations in compensation, with Onalaska being the highest-paying city at $106,678, while Eau Claire is at the lower end with $80,648. The $25,130 difference between these cities can be attributed to factors such as local demand for engineers, cost of living, and the presence of industries that require mechanical engineering expertise. Wisconsin's job market for mechanical engineers is relatively strong, with 6,059 employed in the field and an annual growth rate of 2.92% projected. This growth is driven by industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and renewable energy, which create a steady demand for skilled professionals. It is important for aspiring engineers to be aware of Wisconsin's licensing requirements and scope of practice laws. Engineers may need to obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which can enhance job prospects and earning potential. Understanding these local dynamics will be crucial for navigating your career in mechanical engineering within the state.
Wisconsin Mechanical Engineer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Wisconsin: $62,359 (lowest entry-level) to $163,550 (highest top earner)
Wisconsin vs National Average
Wisconsin mechanical engineers earn 9.38% less than the national median ($-10,049/year difference).
Wisconsin Mechanical Engineer Salary Distribution (2026)
Mechanical Engineer salaries in Wisconsin range from $69,302 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $136,976 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $97,101. The Wisconsin median is $10,049 below the US national median of $107,150. The average hourly rate is $46.68/hr. Approximately 6,059 mechanical engineers are employed across 46 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$80,871
2025 BLS Actual
$94,346
2026 Current Est.
$97,101
2019–2027 Growth
+23.6%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Wisconsin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,871 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,004 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,024 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,809 | Actual |
| 2023 | $89,028 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,677 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,346 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,101 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,936 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wisconsin metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 16.7% from $80,871 (2019) to $94,346 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,936 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,065 (23.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wisconsin 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Wisconsin
Lowest Paying Cities in Wisconsin
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Eau Claire | $80,648 |
| Wausau | $81,657 |
| Oshkosh | $85,218 |
| Kenosha | $87,256 |
| Appleton | $87,750 |
Best Value Cities for Mechanical Engineers in Wisconsin
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Wisconsin cities offer the most purchasing power for mechanical engineers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Crosse | $105,267 | 91.769 | $114,709 |
| Onalaska | $106,678 | 93.4 | $114,216 |
| Waukesha | $102,893 | 93.4 | $110,164 |
| Sheboygan | $101,325 | 94.014 | $107,777 |
| Fond du Lac | $98,196 | 91.643 | $107,151 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Wisconsin
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $69,302 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $97,101 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $136,976 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Wisconsin metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 46 Cities in Wisconsin
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Onalaska | $106,678 |
| 2 | La Crosse | $105,267 |
| 3 | Waukesha | $102,893 |
| 4 | Madison | $102,591 |
| 5 | Milwaukee | $101,613 |
| 6 | Sheboygan | $101,325 |
| 7 | Fond du Lac | $98,196 |
| 8 | Green Bay | $97,208 |
| 9 | Beloit | $96,501 |
| 10 | West Allis | $96,360 |
| 11 | Janesville | $96,282 |
| 12 | Racine | $96,035 |
| 13 | Mount Pleasant | $95,893 |
| 14 | Fitchburg | $95,721 |
| 15 | Greenfield | $95,714 |
| 16 | Menomonee Falls | $94,884 |
| 17 | Brookfield | $94,660 |
| 18 | West Bend | $94,607 |
| 19 | De Pere | $94,533 |
| 20 | New Berlin | $94,353 |
| 21 | Sun Prairie | $93,554 |
| 22 | Caledonia | $93,300 |
| 23 | Muskego | $93,098 |
| 24 | Stevens Point | $92,665 |
| 25 | Franklin | $92,560 |
| 26 | Oak Creek | $92,269 |
| 27 | Superior | $92,127 |
| 28 | Manitowoc | $92,081 |
| 29 | Pewaukee | $91,739 |
| 30 | South Milwaukee | $91,471 |
| 31 | Pleasant Prairie | $91,457 |
| 32 | Menomonie | $91,363 |
| 33 | Whitewater | $91,356 |
| 34 | Wauwatosa | $91,275 |
| 35 | Germantown | $91,211 |
| 36 | Marshfield | $91,175 |
| 37 | River Falls | $90,726 |
| 38 | Mequon | $89,980 |
| 39 | Platteville | $89,973 |
| 40 | Middleton | $89,017 |
| 41 | Wisconsin Rapids | $88,279 |
| 42 | Appleton | $87,750 |
| 43 | Kenosha | $87,256 |
| 44 | Oshkosh | $85,218 |
| 45 | Wausau | $81,657 |
| 46 | Eau Claire | $80,648 |
More Wisconsin Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore mechanical engineer hourly pay in Wisconsin cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced mechanical engineers.
Compare Cities in Wisconsin
View all comparisons →Explore More Mechanical Engineer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mechanical engineers make in Wisconsin in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for mechanical engineers in Wisconsin?
How does Wisconsin mechanical engineer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level mechanical engineer salary in Wisconsin?
How many mechanical engineers are employed in Wisconsin?
Which Wisconsin city offers the best value for mechanical engineers?
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
Statewide 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. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 mechanical engineer compensation across Wisconsin. State averages are employment-weighted across 46 metro areas — larger metro areas with more mechanical engineerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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