Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Mequon, WI: $69,068 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Mequon, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,068 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Mequon's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,949 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($97,651) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the electrical engineering workforce in Mequon, Wisconsin, can expect a starting annual salary around $69,068. This figure represents the lower end of the salary spectrum for entry-level positions, which shows a notable gap compared to the overall city median of $97,651. For early-career engineers, there is potential for growth. Over the first three to five years, entry-level professionals can reasonably anticipate advancing to a salary closer to the 25th percentile at $79,349, with the median salary being a feasible goal. Given the 3.65% growth rate projected annually, the Mequon market appears conducive for recent graduates seeking opportunities in this field, with the chance to steadily increase earning potential.
About the Mequon Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Mequon
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 Mequon
Entry-level electrical engineers in Mequon, WI typically start between $69,068 and $79,349 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $66,730 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $97,651 — 21.9% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Wisconsin of $55,000 represents just 79.63% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($69,068/year) in Mequon. 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 electrical engineering programs at public and private universities. Many electrical engineers pursue master's degrees or specialization in power, controls, or electronics.
EE Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Mequon
- 1Research the Mequon market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $69,068 to $79,349, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the electrical engineering field — employers in WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Mequon, 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 Mequon for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Mequon's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Electrical Engineer Compensation Range
The electrical engineer wage spread in Mequon is $66,730 ( 96.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,068, experienced hygienists can earn up to $135,798.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,858
2025 BLS Actual
$66,636
2026 Current Est.
$69,068
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Mequon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,858 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,469 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,284 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,000 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,342 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,951 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,636 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,068 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,589 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Mequon, WI grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,858 in 2019 to $66,636 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $71,589. New graduates entering the Mequon job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mequon 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 3.65% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your electrical engineering Career in Mequon
In Mequon, several employers actively recruit new graduates for electrical engineering roles. Notable companies in the semiconductor sector, like Apple and Nvidia, tend to favor candidates with higher degrees like a master’s or PhD for chip design positions, while companies such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman focus on sourcing talent through internship pipelines that require security clearance. Utility companies often look for BS-level engineers in power systems roles, offering structured training programs, albeit with salaries lower than those in the tech sector. For new hires wishing to increase their starting pay, credentials such as a Bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited program, passing the FE exam, and obtaining an EIT designation can be significant assets. For those considering a path in chip design or defense, earning a PE license or obtaining security clearance can also lead to a salary boost. Understanding these dynamics will be crucial for new graduates as they navigate initial roles within their first three years and aim to reach the higher salary tiers prevalent in the semiconductor and defense industries.
More salary data for Mequon, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 electrical engineering graduates. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Mequon. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Mequon is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.65%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electrical engineers (SOC 17-2071).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov