Electrical Engineer Salary

Germantown vs Milwaukee: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)

Compare electrical engineer salaries between Germantown, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Germantown, WI
$98,987
$47.59/hr
Milwaukee, WI
$102,562
$49.31/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGermantown, WIMilwaukee, WI
Median Salary$98,987$102,562
Hourly Rate$47.59$49.31
Entry Level (P10)$64,312$80,712
25th Percentile$79,866$86,983
75th Percentile$124,545$128,547
Top Earner (P90)$146,097$137,844
Total Employed61,380
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Germantown ($98,987) and Milwaukee ($102,562) electrical engineer salaries.GermantownMilwaukeeMedian Salary$98,987$102,562Entry Level (P10)$64,312$80,712Top Earner (P90)$146,097$137,844US Median $125,033

Verdict

Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Germantown.

The salary gap between Germantown and Milwaukee is $3,575 (3.61%). 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 Germantown spans $81,785,Milwaukee spans $57,132. Germantown has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Germantown
P10 (Entry)$64,312
P25$79,866
Median$98,987
P75$124,545
P90 (Top)$146,097
Milwaukee
P10 (Entry)$80,712
P25$86,983
Median$102,562
P75$128,547
P90 (Top)$137,844

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Germantown ($105,982 effective) pays 0.17% more than Milwaukee ($105,803 effective).

Germantown
Nominal: $98,987
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $105,982
Milwaukee
Nominal: $102,562
CoL Index: 96.937
Adjusted: $105,803

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Germantown if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($146,097)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,982)
  • 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 Germantown grew -0.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.6% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.

Germantown, WI

+-0.1%

$95,559 (2024) → $95,501 (2025)

Milwaukee, WI

+15.6%

$85,610 (2019) → $98,950 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays electrical engineers more: Germantown or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a higher median electrical engineer salary at $102,562/year, compared to Germantown at $98,987/year — a difference of $3,575 (3.61%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Germantown and Milwaukee?

Germantown electrical engineers earn $47.59/hr while Milwaukee hygienists earn $49.31/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Germantown to Milwaukee as a electrical engineer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Germantown and Milwaukee. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Germantown = $105,982, Milwaukee = $105,803), job availability (6 vs 1,380 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Germantown vs Milwaukee?

Entry-level (10th percentile) electrical engineers earn $64,312 in Germantown and $80,712 in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Martinez, BSEEData verified by Nia Thompson, MEng

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