Mechanical Engineer Salary in Manitowoc, WI: $92,081 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time mechanical engineer in Manitowoc, WI earns a median $92,081/year (≈ $44.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Once you factor in Manitowoc's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $98,588 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, mechanical engineers in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, can expect a median annual salary of $92,081. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, from $69,476 at the 10th percentile to as much as $140,871 for those at the 90th percentile, reflecting the different levels of experience and industry demand. Given the local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, these figures highlight the competitive landscape for mechanical engineer pay in Manitowoc, particularly as it contends with shifts in aerospace and automotive sectors. As companies like SpaceX and Tesla redefine compensation norms within the aerospace and automotive industries, opportunities are emerging in various sectors that may further influence salary trajectories in the area.
About the Manitowoc Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,476 | $33.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,337 | $36.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,081 | $44.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $117,810 | $56.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $140,871 | $67.72 |
Median Salary Position
14.06% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manitowoc
In Manitowoc, WI, the mechanical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $71,395 (2026 est.). At $92,081, the local median is 14.06% below the national median of $107,150.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manitowoc: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manitowoc Mechanical Engineer Pay Compares
Manitowoc median: $92,081/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manitowoc Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $96,320 | -4.40% less |
| National Average | $107,150 | -14.06% less |
Mechanical Engineers in Manitowoc, WI earn a median of $92,081 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.06% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 4.40% below the Wisconsin state average of $96,320.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manitowoc has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manitowoc, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A mechanical engineer earning $92,081 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $98,588 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$75,994
2025 BLS Actual
$89,469
2026 Current Est.
$92,081
2019–2027 Growth
+24.7%
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 | $75,994 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,481 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,898 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,766 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,516 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,860 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,469 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,081 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,770 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manitowoc metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 17.7% from $75,994 (2019) to $89,469 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,770 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,776 (24.71%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $69,476 – $76,337 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,337 – $92,081 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,081 – $117,810 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $117,810 – $140,871 |
ME, PE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual mechanical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Manitowoc
The job market for mechanical engineers in Manitowoc presently employs nine professionals, indicating a niche but stable environment. With a cost of living index of 93.4, the purchasing power remains favorable, allowing engineers to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in the region despite salaries trailing the national average. Employers in sectors such as automotive (including firms like Tesla) and aerospace (like Boeing and SpaceX) generally offer the highest pay, leveraging new technologies and equity-based compensation. Factors influencing the spread between lower and higher salaries include whether an engineer holds a PE license, necessary security clearances in defense roles, and the choice between individual contributor versus management tracks. To maximize earning potential, networking within local sectors, pursuing licensure, and staying abreast of the industry's technological advancements can be effective strategies for those looking to elevate their mechanical engineer salary in Manitowoc, WI.
More salary data for Manitowoc, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $89,469 for mechanical engineersin the Manitowoc 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
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