Green Bay vs Milwaukee: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Green Bay, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Green Bay, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,123 | $98,720▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.21 | $47.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,160 | $69,634▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,896 | $79,343▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $111,733 | $115,572▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,965 | $134,486▲ |
| Total Employed | 450 | 2,330▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Green Bay.
The salary gap between Green Bay and Milwaukee is $2,597 (2.70%). Milwaukee's median is -4.61% 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,Milwaukee spans $64,852. Milwaukee 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, Green Bay ($103,263 effective) pays 1.40% more than Milwaukee ($101,839 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Green Bay if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,263)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,720/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($134,486)
- ✓Larger job market (2,330 employed)
- ✓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 29.8% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Green Bay, WI
$80,780 (2019) → $93,660 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$74,100 (2019) → $96,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Green Bay, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Green Bay or Milwaukee?
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Should I relocate from Green Bay to Milwaukee as a civil engineer?
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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