Madison vs Sheboygan: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Madison, WI and Sheboygan, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Sheboygan, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,614▲ | $99,120 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.85▲ | $47.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,899 | $75,813▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,079▲ | $78,922 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,711 | $129,416▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,565▲ | $134,661 |
| Total Employed | 1,530▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sheboygan.
The salary gap between Madison and Sheboygan is $2,494 (2.52%). 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,Sheboygan spans $58,848. Madison 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, Sheboygan ($105,431 effective) pays 0.94% more than Madison ($104,448 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,565)
- ✓Larger job market (1,530 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Sheboygan if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,431)
- ✓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 24.3% growth in Sheboygan over the same period.
Madison, WI
$82,730 (2019) → $99,010 (2025)
Sheboygan, WI
$77,680 (2021) → $96,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Sheboygan, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Madison or Sheboygan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Sheboygan?
Should I relocate from Madison to Sheboygan as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Madison vs Sheboygan?
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