Average Mechanical Engineers Salary in Wausau, WI
Mechanical Engineers in Wausau, WI, command an average annual salary of $96,330. This figure is notably below the national average of $109,640, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially industry-specific demand in Wausau influence compensation. While lower than the national benchmark, this salary must be considered within the context of the local economic environment.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $96,330 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $129,460.
- Outlook: Wausau, WI, hosts a concentrated workforce of Mechanical Engineers, with a Location Quotient of 1.53 indicating a higher-than-average presence compared to the national landscape. With approximately 2.84 Mechanical Engineers per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 200, the demand appears stable and the market is relatively specialized, suggesting a consistent need for these professionals within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Mechanical Engineers in Wausau, WI earns-12.1%below the national average.
$46.3
$1,853
$8,028
Mechanical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wausau is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Mechanical Engineer salaries in the region have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic expansion, inflation, and increasing demand for engineering expertise typically drive upward salary adjustments, even in localized markets.
Mechanical Engineers Salary Distribution in Wausau, WI
Salary progression for Mechanical Engineers in Wausau, as elsewhere, is typically tied to experience and expertise. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior engineers with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries. The difference between entry-level and senior roles represents a clear career progression path and earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $63,490 | $30.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $72,248 | $34.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $95,580 | $46 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $120,413 | $57.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $129,460 | $62.2 |
Detailed Mechanical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$96,330
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$96,330
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average Mechanical Engineer salary of $96,330 in Wausau, WI, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that the purchasing power of an engineer's salary in Wausau is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
2.839
Per 1K Jobs
1.53
Location Quotient
Wausau, WI has 1.5x 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.53 for Mechanical Engineers in Wausau signifies a market that is 53% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a robust local demand or a specialized industry presence that draws and retains these professionals. While not necessarily indicating intense competition, it points to a significant and established community of Mechanical Engineers within the Wausau area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mechanical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $91,480↓ 5% | 48 mi |
| Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $89,010↓ 8% | 48 mi |
| Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $88,380↓ 8% | 48 mi |
| Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area Mechanical Engineers Salary | $87,200↓ 9% | 48 mi |
| Appleton, WI Mechanical Engineers Salary | $94,430↓ 2% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wausau, WI
Hiring Mechanical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mechanical Engineers make in Wausau, WI?
The median annual salary for a Mechanical Engineers in Wausau, WI is $96,330. This typically ranges from $63,490 for entry-level positions to $129,460 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wausau, WI is 12.1% lower than the national median of $109,640.
Is Wausau, WI a lucrative place for Mechanical Engineers?
Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary of $96,330 is below the national average, the cost of living in Wausau is also at the national average. The high concentration of Mechanical Engineers (LQ 1.53) suggests a stable and potentially growing job market for the profession.
Is Wausau, WI a good place to live for Mechanical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Wausau, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wausau, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area ($91,480) and Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area.
How does Wausau's Mechanical Engineer salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Mechanical Engineers in Wausau, WI, is $96,330, which is lower than the national average of $109,640.
What is the cost of living in Wausau, WI?
Wausau, WI, has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average.
Is there a high demand for Mechanical Engineers in Wausau, WI?
With a Location Quotient of 1.53, Wausau has a higher concentration of Mechanical Engineers than the national average, indicating a strong local presence and likely consistent demand.
How many Mechanical Engineers are there in Wausau, WI?
There are approximately 200 Mechanical Engineers in the Wausau, WI workforce, representing about 2.84 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Wausau, WI area with a job density of 2.839 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 Wausau, WI