Madison vs New Berlin: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Madison, WI and New Berlin, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | New Berlin, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,614▲ | $94,198 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.85▲ | $45.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,899▲ | $63,386 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,079▲ | $77,312 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,711▲ | $116,783 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,565 | $146,007▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,530▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to New Berlin.
The salary gap between Madison and New Berlin is $7,416 (7.87%). 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 Madison spans $62,666,New Berlin spans $82,621. New Berlin 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 3.56% more than New Berlin ($100,854 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose New Berlin if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($146,007)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Madison grew 19.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.0% growth in New Berlin over the same period.
Madison, WI
$82,730 (2019) → $99,010 (2025)
New Berlin, WI
$84,207 (2024) → $91,784 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
New Berlin, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
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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