Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer Salary in Oshkosh, WI: $64,212 (2026)
Quick Answer:New mechanical engineers entering the Oshkosh, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $64,212 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2141, 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 $69,098 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($85,218) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the mechanical engineering workforce in Oshkosh, Wisconsin can expect to earn around $64,212 as a starting salary in 2026. This entry-level figure reflects a considerable gap compared to the median annual salary of $85,218 for professionals in the region. Early-career engineers can anticipate gradual salary growth over their first few years, moving from the 10th percentile up to the 25th percentile, which is projected at $78,034. Overall, Oshkosh represents a promising market for new mechanical engineering graduates, offering opportunities to build a rewarding career despite the initial salary being below the national median of $107,150.
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 mechanical engineers in Oshkosh, WI typically start between $64,212 and $78,034 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $64,407 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $85,218 — 20.47% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average mechanical engineering program cost in Wisconsin of $55,000 represents just 85.65% of the starting mechanical engineer pay ($64,212/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 mechanical engineering programs. Many employers value or require the FE exam early in career, with PE typical for specific industries (consulting, manufacturing safety).
ME, PE Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Oshkosh
- 1Research the Oshkosh market: entry-level mechanical engineer pay ranges from $64,212 to $78,034, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the mechanical 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.
Mechanical Engineer Compensation Range
The mechanical engineer wage spread in Oshkosh is $64,407 ( 100.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $64,212, experienced hygienists can earn up to $128,619.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,360
2025 BLS Actual
$62,390
2026 Current Est.
$64,212
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Oshkosh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,360 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,470 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,770 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,680 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,140 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,212 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,087 | Projected |
Entry-level mechanical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Oshkosh, WI grew 14.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,360 in 2019 to $62,390 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,087. 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 2.92% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your mechanical engineering Career in Oshkosh
In Oshkosh, employers such as automotive giants Tesla and Ford actively recruit recent graduates through structured rotational programs, providing valuable experience in today’s competitive landscape. Aerospace firms like Boeing and Lockheed also seek fresh talent, often requiring candidates to have certain security clearances. For those entering HVAC, there are steady demands that offer a clear path to obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Credentials such as a Bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited program, completion of the FE exam, and ongoing education can enhance starting pay levels in Wisconsin. While salaries in the first years may vary significantly, the evolving industry context suggests that candidates considering jobs at top-tier tech companies like Apple or Google can command higher compensation due to market demands and advanced roles. New graduates are encouraged to build their skills and credentials through mentorship programs and relevant internships to prepare for a stable growth trajectory in their early careers.
More salary data for Oshkosh, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 mechanical engineering graduates. A 2.92% 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 2.92%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for mechanical engineers (SOC 17-2141).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov