Caledonia vs Madison: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Caledonia, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Caledonia, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,254 | $106,158▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.68 | $51.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,279 | $80,702▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,587 | $95,120▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,361 | $133,180▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $152,484 | $161,165▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 500▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Caledonia.
The salary gap between Caledonia and Madison is $4,904 (4.84%). Madison's median is -15.10% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Caledonia spans $90,205,Madison spans $80,463. Caledonia has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($109,118 effective) pays 0.65% more than Caledonia ($108,409 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Caledonia if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,158/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($161,165)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,118)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Caledonia grew -0.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.4% growth in Madison over the same period.
Caledonia, WI
$97,748 (2024) → $97,688 (2025)
Madison, WI
$91,100 (2019) → $102,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Caledonia, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Caledonia or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Caledonia and Madison?
Should I relocate from Caledonia to Madison as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Caledonia vs Madison?
Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov