Germantown vs Madison: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Germantown, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Germantown, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,061 | $101,614▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.78 | $48.85▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,243 | $74,899▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,641 | $83,079▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $116,168 | $125,711▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,144▲ | $137,565 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,530▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Germantown.
The salary gap between Germantown and Madison is $10,553 (11.59%). 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 Germantown spans $77,901,Madison spans $62,666. Germantown has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($104,448 effective) pays 7.13% more than Germantown ($97,496 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Germantown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,144)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,614/year)
- ✓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 Germantown grew 9.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.7% growth in Madison over the same period.
Germantown, WI
$81,402 (2024) → $88,727 (2025)
Madison, WI
$82,730 (2019) → $99,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Germantown, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Germantown or Madison?
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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