Madison vs Onalaska: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Madison, WI and Onalaska, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Onalaska, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,591 | $106,678▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.33 | $51.29▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,260 | $78,497▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,964 | $91,052▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $125,140 | $129,293▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,728 | $153,629▲ |
| Total Employed | 770▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Onalaska, WI offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Madison.
The salary gap between Madison and Onalaska is $4,087 (3.98%). Onalaska's median is -0.44% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $59,468,Onalaska spans $75,132. Onalaska has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Onalaska ($114,216 effective) pays 8.31% more than Madison ($105,452 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Larger job market (770 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Onalaska if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,678/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($153,629)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,216)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Madison grew 17.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.6% growth in Onalaska over the same period.
Madison, WI
$84,940 (2019) → $99,680 (2025)
Onalaska, WI
$84,524 (2024) → $103,651 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Onalaska, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Madison or Onalaska?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Onalaska?
Should I relocate from Madison to Onalaska as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Madison vs Onalaska?
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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