Appleton vs Madison: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Appleton, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,381 | $106,158▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.66 | $51.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,944 | $80,702▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,081 | $95,120▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $119,913 | $133,180▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $134,683 | $161,165▲ |
| Total Employed | 190 | 500▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Appleton.
The salary gap between Appleton and Madison is $777 (0.74%). Madison's median is -15.10% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $58,739,Madison spans $80,463. Madison has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Appleton ($114,025 effective) pays 4.50% more than Madison ($109,118 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Appleton if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,025)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,158/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($161,165)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Appleton grew 15.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.4% growth in Madison over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$88,420 (2019) → $101,670 (2025)
Madison, WI
$91,100 (2019) → $102,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Appleton or Madison?
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Should I relocate from Appleton to Madison as a electrical engineer?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov