Kenosha vs Milwaukee: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Kenosha, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kenosha, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,402▲ | $102,562 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.67▲ | $49.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,766 | $80,712▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,293 | $86,983▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $125,759 | $128,547▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,012▲ | $137,844 |
| Total Employed | 60 | 1,380▲ |
Verdict
Kenosha, WI offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Milwaukee.
The salary gap between Kenosha and Milwaukee is $2,840 (2.77%). Kenosha's median is -15.70% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kenosha spans $105,246,Milwaukee spans $57,132. Kenosha 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, Milwaukee ($105,803 effective) pays 1.50% more than Kenosha ($104,237 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kenosha if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,402/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,012)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,380 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,803)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Kenosha grew 3.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.6% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Kenosha, WI
$98,760 (2024) → $101,690 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$85,610 (2019) → $98,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kenosha, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Kenosha or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kenosha and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Kenosha to Milwaukee as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Kenosha 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