Milwaukee vs Wauwatosa: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Milwaukee, WI and Wauwatosa, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | Wauwatosa, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,562▲ | $99,056 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.31▲ | $47.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,712▲ | $65,556 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,983▲ | $77,200 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,547▲ | $125,323 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,844 | $148,267▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,380▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wauwatosa.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and Wauwatosa is $3,506 (3.54%). 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 Milwaukee spans $57,132,Wauwatosa spans $82,711. Wauwatosa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wauwatosa ($106,056 effective) pays 0.24% 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 Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,562/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,380 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Wauwatosa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($148,267)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,056)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Milwaukee grew 15.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.1% growth in Wauwatosa over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$85,610 (2019) → $98,950 (2025)
Wauwatosa, WI
$95,627 (2024) → $95,568 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
Wauwatosa, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Milwaukee or Wauwatosa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Wauwatosa?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to Wauwatosa as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Milwaukee vs Wauwatosa?
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