Green Bay vs La Crosse: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Green Bay, WI and La Crosse, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Green Bay, WI | La Crosse, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,123 | $98,391▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.21 | $47.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,160 | $73,442▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,896 | $80,913▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $111,733 | $119,759▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,965 | $141,393▲ |
| Total Employed | 450▲ | 190 |
Verdict
La Crosse, WI offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Green Bay.
The salary gap between Green Bay and La Crosse is $2,268 (2.36%). La Crosse's median is -4.93% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Green Bay spans $63,805,La Crosse spans $67,951. La Crosse 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, La Crosse ($107,216 effective) pays 3.83% more than Green Bay ($103,263 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Green Bay if…
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose La Crosse if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,391/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,393)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,216)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Green Bay grew 15.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.2% growth in La Crosse over the same period.
Green Bay, WI
$80,780 (2019) → $93,660 (2025)
La Crosse, WI
$77,160 (2019) → $95,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Green Bay, WI
La Crosse, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Green Bay or La Crosse?
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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