Madison vs River Falls: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Madison, WI and River Falls, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | River Falls, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,614▲ | $90,576 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.85▲ | $43.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,899▲ | $62,080 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,079▲ | $74,638 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,711▲ | $114,985 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,565 | $140,393▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,530▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to River Falls.
The salary gap between Madison and River Falls is $11,038 (12.19%). 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,River Falls spans $78,313. River Falls 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 7.70% more than River Falls ($96,976 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 River Falls if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,393)
- ✓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 River Falls over the same period.
Madison, WI
$82,730 (2019) → $99,010 (2025)
River Falls, WI
$80,969 (2024) → $88,255 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
River Falls, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Madison or River Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and River Falls?
Should I relocate from Madison to River Falls as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Madison vs River Falls?
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