Green Bay vs Wausau: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Green Bay, WI and Wausau, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Green Bay, WI | Wausau, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,208▲ | $81,657 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.74▲ | $39.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,076▲ | $64,150 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,488▲ | $76,120 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,589▲ | $101,109 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,052▲ | $128,321 |
| Total Employed | 460▲ | 240 |
Verdict
Green Bay, WI offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wausau.
The salary gap between Green Bay and Wausau is $15,551 (19.04%). Green Bay's median is -9.28% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Green Bay spans $75,976,Wausau spans $64,171. Green Bay has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Green Bay ($104,428 effective) pays 18.49% more than Wausau ($88,134 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Green Bay if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,208/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,052)
- ✓Larger job market (460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,428)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Wausau if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Green Bay grew 17.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.9% growth in Wausau over the same period.
Green Bay, WI
$80,130 (2019) → $94,450 (2025)
Wausau, WI
$75,620 (2019) → $79,340 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Green Bay, WI
Wausau, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Comparisons
Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov