Madison vs Oshkosh: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Madison, WI and Oshkosh, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Oshkosh, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,158▲ | $104,490 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.04▲ | $50.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,702▲ | $79,303 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,120▲ | $84,755 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,180▲ | $126,847 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,165▲ | $134,724 |
| Total Employed | 500▲ | 140 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oshkosh.
The salary gap between Madison and Oshkosh is $1,668 (1.60%). 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 Madison spans $80,463,Oshkosh spans $55,421. Madison 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, Oshkosh ($112,441 effective) pays 3.04% more than Madison ($109,118 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,158/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($161,165)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Oshkosh if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,441)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Madison grew 12.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.9% growth in Oshkosh over the same period.
Madison, WI
$91,100 (2019) → $102,420 (2025)
Oshkosh, WI
$86,230 (2019) → $100,810 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Oshkosh, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Madison or Oshkosh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Oshkosh?
Should I relocate from Madison to Oshkosh as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Madison vs Oshkosh?
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