Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Appleton, WI
Mechanical Engineers in Appleton, WI, earn an average annual salary of $94,430, which is notably below the national average of $109,640. This difference in compensation is often influenced by the specific economic landscape and industry demand within the region, reflecting local market dynamics rather than a universal pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $94,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $125,550.
- Outlook: The mechanical engineering job market in Appleton, WI, shows a healthy concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.64, suggesting a demand for these professionals that is 64% higher than the national average. With a local workforce of 380 Mechanical Engineers, this concentration points to a robust and potentially growing sector within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Appleton, WI earns-13.9%below the national average.
$45.4
$1,816
$7,869
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Mechanical Engineers in Appleton, WI, have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic expansion, increased demand for specialized engineering skills, and inflation typically drive upward salary adjustments in most professional fields.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Appleton, WI
Salary progression for Mechanical Engineers in Appleton, WI, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior engineers with extensive expertise and project management skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting increased responsibility and value to employers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $65,520 | $31.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $70,823 | $34 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $92,300 | $44.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $118,038 | $56.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $125,550 | $60.4 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$94,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$94,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average nominal salary of $94,430 in Appleton, WI, is perfectly aligned with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which matches the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Mechanical Engineer's salary in Appleton is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
380
Total Jobs
3.045
Per 1K Jobs
1.64
Location Quotient
Appleton, WI has 1.6x the national concentration of Mechanical Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.64, Appleton, WI, demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Mechanical Engineers compared to the national average. This indicates a strong presence and potentially higher demand for these professionals within the local economy, suggesting a competitive but opportunity-rich market for skilled engineers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Mechanical Engineers Salary | $95,400↑ 1% | 20 mi |
| Green Bay, WI Mechanical Engineers Salary | $95,680↑ 1% | 26 mi |
| Fond du Lac, WI Mechanical Engineers Salary | $106,740↑ 13% | 35 mi |
| Sheboygan, WI Mechanical Engineers Salary | $97,230↑ 3% | 49 mi |
| South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $91,480↓ 3% | 61 mi |
Comparing salaries near Appleton, WI
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Appleton, WI?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Appleton, WI is $94,430. This typically ranges from $65,520 for entry-level positions to $125,550 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Appleton, WI is 13.9% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is Appleton, WI a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to its cost of living.While the nominal salary is below the national average, the local cost of living also matches the national average, making the effective purchasing power comparable. The high concentration (LQ of 1.64) suggests strong local demand.
Is Appleton, WI a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Appleton, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Appleton, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Oshkosh-Neenah, WI ($95,400) and Green Bay, WI.
How does the Appleton Mechanical Engineer salary compare to the national average?
Mechanical Engineers in Appleton, WI, earn an average of $94,430 annually, which is $15,210 less than the national average of $109,640.
What is the concentration of Mechanical Engineers in Appleton, WI?
Appleton, WI, has a Location Quotient of 1.64 for Mechanical Engineers, meaning the concentration of these professionals is 64% higher than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Appleton, WI affect salary perception?
The cost of living in Appleton, WI, is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning the $94,430 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average salary in a national average cost of living area.
What does the job market size suggest for Mechanical Engineers in Appleton, WI?
With a total local workforce of 380 Mechanical Engineers and a high concentration, the job market indicates a stable and significant presence of the profession in Appleton, suggesting consistent opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 380 employees in the Appleton, WI area with a job density of 3.045 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Mechanical Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Appleton, WI