Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Mechanical Engineers in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI, earn an average annual salary of $99,230. This figure is approximately 9.5% below the national average of $109,640. While the nominal salary is lower, the local cost of living being at the national average suggests a strong underlying demand for specialized engineering talent within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $99,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $130,820.
- Outlook: The Milwaukee-Waukesha area demonstrates a robust job market for Mechanical Engineers, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 2,540 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.67 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating a higher concentration of these roles relative to other occupations in the area, suggesting strong and sustained demand.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI earns-9.5%below the national average.
$47.7
$1,908
$8,269
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Mechanical Engineer salaries in Milwaukee-Waukesha have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is likely driven by ongoing industrial innovation, infrastructure development, and the increasing complexity of engineering challenges across various sectors.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
Salary progression for Mechanical Engineers in Milwaukee-Waukesha typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior engineers with specialized skills and extensive project management experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $69,290 | $33.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $74,423 | $35.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $96,620 | $46.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $124,038 | $59.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $130,820 | $62.9 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$99,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$99,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $99,230 for Mechanical Engineers in Milwaukee-Waukesha aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (index of 100). This means that the purchasing power of an engineer's salary in Milwaukee is equivalent to that of an engineer earning the national average in a location with a national average cost of living, offering stable financial prospects.
Job Market Context
2,540
Total Jobs
3.102
Per 1K Jobs
1.67
Location Quotient
Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI has 1.7x 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 1.67, Milwaukee-Waukesha presents a market where Mechanical Engineers are notably more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a competitive environment with a strong presence of employers actively seeking this specialized skill set, potentially leading to more opportunities but also requiring professionals to highlight unique qualifications.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Mechanical Engineers Salary | $93,290↓ 6% | 25 mi |
| Kenosha, WI Mechanical Engineers Salary | $99,640↑ 0% | 33 mi |
| Sheboygan, WI Mechanical Engineers Salary | $97,230↓ 2% | 48 mi |
| Fond du Lac, WI Mechanical Engineers Salary | $106,740↑ 8% | 54 mi |
| Janesville-Beloit, WI Mechanical Engineers Salary | $99,520↑ 0% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is $99,230. This typically ranges from $69,290 for entry-level positions to $130,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 9.5% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineerss?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is below the national benchmark, the equivalent cost of living and high concentration of roles suggest strong demand and stable career prospects for Mechanical Engineers in the area.
Is Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI ($93,290) and Kenosha, WI.
How does the number of Mechanical Engineers in Milwaukee compare to the national average?
Milwaukee-Waukesha has 3.102 Mechanical Engineers per 1,000 workers, which is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence of this profession.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Mechanical Engineers in Milwaukee?
A Location Quotient of 1.67 means that Mechanical Engineers are 67% more concentrated in Milwaukee-Waukesha than the national average, signaling a robust and specialized job market for these professionals.
Does experience significantly impact a Mechanical Engineer's salary in Milwaukee?
Yes, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level engineers earning less and senior engineers with specialized skills commanding higher salaries, reflecting a clear career progression path.
How does the cost of living affect the $99,230 salary for Mechanical Engineers in Milwaukee?
Since Milwaukee's cost of living is at the national average (100), the $99,230 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average salary in a national average cost of living area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,540 employees in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI area with a job density of 3.102 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 Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI