Mechanical Engineer Salary in Kenosha, WI: $87,256 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Kenosha, WI earns a median $87,256/year (≈ $41.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Kenosha's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.1), that paycheck buys what $86,291 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.4% below the Wisconsin state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers in Kenosha, Wisconsin, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $87,256. This figure reflects a competitive local market for professionals, particularly those who hold a PE license, which can significantly enhance earning potential in HVAC and building systems. Salary ranges indicate a breadth of opportunity, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $62,359 and experienced roles providing compensation up to $133,436. These insights, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, reveal that the mechanical engineer salary in Kenosha is influenced by industry demands and local economic conditions, making it an appealing destination for engineering talent.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,359 | $29.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,705 | $37.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $87,256 | $41.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $105,421 | $50.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $133,436 | $64.15 |
Median Salary Position
18.57% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kenosha
In Kenosha, WI, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $71,077 (2026 est.). At $87,256, the local median is 18.57% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kenosha: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kenosha Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Kenosha median: $87,256/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kenosha Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $96,309 | -9.40% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -18.57% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Kenosha, WI earn a median of $87,256 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.57% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 9.40% below the Wisconsin state average of $96,309.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kenosha has a cost of living 1.12% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kenosha, WI has a cost-of-living index of 101.118 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $87,256 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $86,291 — a 1.11% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$72,011
2025 BLS Actual
$84,780
2026 Current Est.
$87,256
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Kenosha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,011 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,420 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,606 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,428 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,034 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,150 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,780 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,256 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,803 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kenosha metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $72,011 (2019) to $84,780 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,803 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,792 (24.71%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenosha 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $62,359 – $77,705 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,705 – $87,256 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $87,256 – $105,421 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $105,421 – $133,436 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Kenosha
The job market in Kenosha features around 140 mechanical engineers, providing a solid base for networking and professional growth. With a cost of living index standing at 101.118, earning a mechanical engineer pay in Kenosha WI may not stretch as far as it would in other cities, but it still offers a reasonable quality of life. Employers in high-paying sectors, such as aerospace defense with companies like Boeing and emerging players like SpaceX, often provide salaries that exceed those in automotive and consumer products segments. Factors that drive income variation include industry specialization, such as the premium placed on security clearance in defense roles, the added value of a PE license, and the choice between individual contributor versus management tracks. Mechanical engineers seeking to maximize their pay should consider targeting high-growth sectors, pursuing relevant certifications, and aligning their skills with market demands.
More salary data for Kenosha, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mechanical engineers make in Kenosha, WI in 2026?
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Can mechanical engineers make $100K in Kenosha?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $84,780 for mechanical engineersin the Kenosha metropolitan area. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-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