Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Brookfield, WI: $65,655 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Brookfield, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,655 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brookfield's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,294 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,730) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates in Brookfield, WI, can expect starting salaries for entry-level electrical engineering positions to be around $65,655. Although this may seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $102,730, it provides a solid foundation for young engineers entering the workforce. Over the first few years, there is potential for significant salary progression; as individuals gain experience and leverage their skills, they could see earnings increase to $82,316 at the 25th percentile and potentially reach the median within three to five years. With the projected annual growth rate of 3.65%, Brookfield presents a favorable job market for entry-level engineers, allowing them to gradually enhance their earnings as they establish their careers.
About the Brookfield Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brookfield
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brookfield
Entry-level electrical engineers in Brookfield, WI typically start between $65,655 and $82,316 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $81,988 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,730 — 17.84% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Wisconsin of $55,000 represents just 83.77% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($65,655/year) in Brookfield. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover ABET-accredited undergraduate electrical engineering programs at public and private universities. Many electrical engineers pursue master's degrees or specialization in power, controls, or electronics.
EE Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Brookfield
- 1Research the Brookfield market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $65,655 to $82,316, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the electrical engineering field — employers in WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brookfield, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Brookfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brookfield's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Electrical Engineer Compensation Range
The electrical engineer wage spread in Brookfield is $81,988 ( 124.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,655, experienced hygienists can earn up to $147,643.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,147
2025 BLS Actual
$63,343
2026 Current Est.
$65,655
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Brookfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,147 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,678 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,601 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,183 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,360 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,720 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,343 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,655 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,051 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Brookfield, WI grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,147 in 2019 to $63,343 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,051. New graduates entering the Brookfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookfield metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.65% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your electrical engineering Career in Brookfield
In Brookfield, several key employers hire entry-level electrical engineers, particularly in sectors like semiconductor manufacturing, defense contracting, and utilities. Companies such as Apple, Nvidia, AMD, and Intel actively seek fresh talent from ABET-accredited programs. Early-career professionals can strengthen their resumes by pursuing credentials such as the FE exam to obtain their EIT status. For more advanced opportunities, obtaining a PE license and relevant continuing education, including a Master's or PhD, can significantly enhance starting pay, especially in high-demand areas like chip design. Additionally, obtaining security clearance can lead to lucrative positions with defense firms like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. While roles in utilities are less financially rewarding, they often provide stability and important benefits. As new graduates navigate their first few years in the profession, focusing on specialization within thriving sectors like semiconductors can lead to more favorable pay and career advancements.
More salary data for Brookfield, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electrical engineers in Brookfield in 2026?
How fast do electrical engineer salaries grow in Brookfield?
Is electrical engineering school worth it in Brookfield?
What do new electrical engineers make right out of school in Brookfield?
How do I become a electrical engineer in Wisconsin?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new electrical engineering graduates. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Brookfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brookfield is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.65%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electrical engineers (SOC 17-2071).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov