Germantown vs Madison: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Germantown, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Germantown, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,987 | $106,158▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.59 | $51.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,312 | $80,702▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,866 | $95,120▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $124,545 | $133,180▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $146,097 | $161,165▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 500▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Germantown.
The salary gap between Germantown and Madison is $7,171 (7.24%). 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 Germantown spans $81,785,Madison spans $80,463. Germantown 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 2.96% more than Germantown ($105,982 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Germantown 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 Germantown grew -0.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.4% growth in Madison over the same period.
Germantown, WI
$95,559 (2024) → $95,501 (2025)
Madison, WI
$91,100 (2019) → $102,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Germantown, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Germantown or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Germantown and Madison?
Should I relocate from Germantown to Madison as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Germantown 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