Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Manitowoc, WI: $67,559 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Manitowoc, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,559 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manitowoc's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,333 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,932) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates starting their careers as electrical engineers in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, can expect to earn an entry-level salary of around $67,559. While this figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $99,932, it sets a foundation for career growth. Within the first few years in the industry, new engineers can progress through the salary tiers, with the potential to reach approximately $78,935 after gaining some experience and skills. Manitowoc offers a relatively stable job market, which is crucial for fresh graduates looking to establish themselves. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.65%, this field presents promising opportunities, especially for those who are proactive about their professional development.
About the Manitowoc Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manitowoc
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 Manitowoc
Entry-level electrical engineers in Manitowoc, WI typically start between $67,559 and $78,935 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $80,407 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,932 — 20.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Wisconsin of $55,000 represents just 81.41% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($67,559/year) in Manitowoc. 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 Manitowoc
- 1Research the Manitowoc market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $67,559 to $78,935, 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 Manitowoc, 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 Manitowoc for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manitowoc'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 Manitowoc is $80,407 ( 119.02%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,559, experienced hygienists can earn up to $147,966.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,660
2025 BLS Actual
$65,180
2026 Current Est.
$67,559
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Manitowoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,660 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,235 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,098 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,754 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,024 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,467 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,180 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,559 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,025 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Manitowoc, WI grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,660 in 2019 to $65,180 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,025. New graduates entering the Manitowoc job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc
Employers in Manitowoc that are known to hire entry-level electrical engineers include local utilities and defense contractors, though growth industries like semiconductors, represented by major firms such as Apple and Intel, typically offer the highest pay. To boost starting electrical engineer pay in Wisconsin, it's advisable for graduates to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from an ABET-accredited program, followed by pursuing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam to achieve EIT status. Graduate studies, while not essential, can open doors to chip design or research roles that command higher salaries. Additionally, gaining a security clearance can provide a premium in defense-related positions. For engineers focused on energy and utilities, while the cash compensation may lag, job security and retirement benefits can be favorable. Over the first few years, realistic salary growth can vary significantly based on the chosen sector, with certain industries like semiconductor commanding subsantial premiums over others.
More salary data for Manitowoc, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electrical engineers in Manitowoc in 2026?
How fast do electrical engineer salaries grow in Manitowoc?
Is electrical engineering school worth it in Manitowoc?
What do new electrical engineers make right out of school in Manitowoc?
How do I become a electrical engineer in Wisconsin?
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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 Manitowoc. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manitowoc 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