Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Oshkosh, WI: $79,303 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Oshkosh, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $79,303 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Oshkosh's local price level (BEA RPP 92.9 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $85,337 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($104,490) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the electrical engineering field in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, realistic salary expectations can range significantly. The starting electrical engineer salary in Oshkosh is projected to be around $79,303 annually in 2026, which is notably lower than the city's overall median annual salary of $104,490. This gap may seem daunting, but it highlights a growth trajectory that many entry-level professionals can expect over the first few years, with potential increases up to the $84,755 level within the first 3-5 years as experience accumulates. Oshkosh presents a competitive job market for recent graduates, particularly with its lower cost of living index at 92.929 compared to the national average, making it an attractive option for young engineers preparing to launch their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Oshkosh
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 Oshkosh
Entry-level electrical engineers in Oshkosh, WI typically start between $79,303 and $84,755 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $55,421 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $104,490 — 16.43% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Wisconsin of $55,000 represents just 69.35% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($79,303/year) in Oshkosh. 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 Oshkosh
- 1Research the Oshkosh market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $79,303 to $84,755, 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 Oshkosh, 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 Oshkosh for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Oshkosh'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 Oshkosh is $55,421 ( 69.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $79,303, experienced hygienists can earn up to $134,724.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,110
2025 BLS Actual
$76,510
2026 Current Est.
$79,303
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Oshkosh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,110 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,950 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,680 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,470 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,840 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,750 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,510 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,303 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,197 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Oshkosh, WI grew 19.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,110 in 2019 to $76,510 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,197. New graduates entering the Oshkosh job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh
In Oshkosh, numerous employers actively seek out new electrical engineering graduates. Major semiconductor companies like Apple and Nvidia are significant players, although they typically target those with advanced degrees for roles in chip design. Defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman often recruit entry-level engineers through structured internship pipelines that require security clearance, which can boost salaries significantly. Utilities and consulting firms also hire entry-level engineers, though these positions might lag behind tech in immediate cash compensation; they often offer greater job stability and benefits, such as pensions. To enhance earning potential, aspiring engineers should focus on obtaining their Engineer-In-Training (EIT) designation through the FE exam, ideally during their final year of college, and consider pursuing professional licensure as a PE. By strategically positioning themselves within these sectors, new grads can realistically aim for salary increases in the coming years, especially as they gain experience and credentials in a ripe job market.
More salary data for Oshkosh, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Oshkosh. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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