In Milwaukee, WI, Mechanical Engineers earn a median of $86,650 a year — about 18% below the U.S. median of $105,220. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #44.
What that pay is worth in Milwaukee
Local prices run 97 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $94,570 salary stretches further than the sticker number — about $97,558 in national-average buying power.
Can Mechanical Engineers afford a home in Milwaukee?
A typical Milwaukee home runs about $172,000 — 1.8 times the average Mechanical Engineer salary, very affordable against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $1,033/mo takes roughly 13% of gross pay — within the 30% comfort line.
The Mechanical Engineer pay ladder in Milwaukee
Entry-level (10th percentile) Mechanical Engineers earn about $66,890; the top 10% reach $129,090 — a $62,200 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Mechanical Engineer job market in Milwaukee
Milwaukee employs roughly 2,590 Mechanical Engineers. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare Milwaukee with other cities
See the full Mechanical Engineer salary by city ranking to weigh Milwaukee against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Mechanical Engineers make in Milwaukee?
The average Mechanical Engineer in Milwaukee, WI earns about $94,570 per year, 10.1% below the national average of $105,220.
What is the take-home pay for Mechanical Engineers in Milwaukee after taxes?
After federal and WI taxes, this $94,570 salary is worth about $71,691 a year - roughly $5,974 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 24%.
What do the highest-paid Mechanical Engineers earn in Milwaukee?
The top 10% of Mechanical Engineers in Milwaukee earn about $129,090 a year, versus about $66,890 for the bottom 10%.
Can Mechanical Engineers afford a home in Milwaukee?
A typical Milwaukee home runs about $172,000 - roughly 1.8x this salary, within reach by the classic 3x rule of thumb.