Fond du Lac vs Madison: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Fond du Lac, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fond du Lac, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,049 | $101,614▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.89 | $48.85▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,318 | $74,899▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,263 | $83,079▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $109,865 | $125,711▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $127,949 | $137,565▲ |
| Total Employed | 130 | 1,530▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fond du Lac.
The salary gap between Fond du Lac and Madison is $16,565 (19.48%). Madison's median is -1.81% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fond du Lac spans $56,631,Madison spans $62,666. Madison has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($104,448 effective) pays 12.55% more than Fond du Lac ($92,805 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fond du Lac if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,614/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,565)
- ✓Larger job market (1,530 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,448)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Fond du Lac grew 30.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.7% growth in Madison over the same period.
Fond du Lac, WI
$63,690 (2019) → $82,870 (2025)
Madison, WI
$82,730 (2019) → $99,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fond du Lac, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Fond du Lac or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fond du Lac and Madison?
Should I relocate from Fond du Lac to Madison as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Fond du Lac vs Madison?
Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov