La Crosse vs Milwaukee: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between La Crosse, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | La Crosse, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,391 | $98,720▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.30 | $47.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,442▲ | $69,634 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,913▲ | $79,343 |
| 75th Percentile | $119,759▲ | $115,572 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,393▲ | $134,486 |
| Total Employed | 190 | 2,330▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to La Crosse.
The salary gap between La Crosse and Milwaukee is $329 (0.33%). 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 La Crosse spans $67,951,Milwaukee spans $64,852. La Crosse 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, La Crosse ($107,216 effective) pays 5.28% 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 La Crosse if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,393)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,216)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,720/year)
- ✓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 La Crosse grew 24.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.8% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
La Crosse, WI
$77,160 (2019) → $95,870 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$74,100 (2019) → $96,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
La Crosse, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: La Crosse or Milwaukee?
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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