Franklin vs Milwaukee: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Franklin, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Franklin, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,450 | $102,562▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.29 | $49.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,758 | $80,712▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,739 | $86,983▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $126,555 | $128,547▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $149,481▲ | $137,844 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 1,380▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Franklin.
The salary gap between Franklin and Milwaukee is $2,112 (2.10%). Milwaukee's median is -17.97% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Franklin spans $80,723,Milwaukee spans $57,132. Franklin 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, Franklin ($107,548 effective) pays 1.65% more than Milwaukee ($105,803 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Franklin if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($149,481)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,548)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,562/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,380 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Franklin grew -0.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.6% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Franklin, WI
$96,973 (2024) → $96,913 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$85,610 (2019) → $98,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Franklin, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Franklin or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Franklin and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Franklin to Milwaukee as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Franklin vs Milwaukee?
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