Average Civil Engineer Salary in Wisconsin

Civil Engineers in Wisconsin earn an average of $90,210 per year across 1 metro area. This is +5.9% lower than the national average.

Average Salary

$90,210

per year

Hourly Rate

$43.37

per hour

vs National

-5.9%

$95,890 national

Salary Range

$59,367

to $131,969

About Civil Engineer Careers in Wisconsin

Civil engineers design, build, supervise, and maintain infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, tunnels, dams, water systems, and buildings. They are the backbone of the built environment, combining principles of physics, mathematics, and materials science to solve complex structural and environmental challenges. Civil engineering encompasses many sub-disciplines — structural, geotechnical, transportation, water resources, environmental, and construction management — each with distinct salary dynamics. The national median annual salary is approximately $95,890, with specialized roles in transportation and energy infrastructure reaching $130,000 and above.

In Wisconsin, civil engineers earn an average of $90,210 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $59,367 for entry-level roles to $131,969 for the most experienced professionals — +5.9% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by pe licensure — engineers with a pe license earn significantly more and qualify for senior roles, specialization — structural and transportation engineers in high-demand markets earn premiums, and the specific metro area within Wisconsin.

Cost of Living Adjusted Salary

Nominal Salary

$90,210

Cost of Living Index

95

100 = national average

Adjusted Salary

$94,958

purchasing power equivalent

After adjusting for Wisconsin's cost of living (below average), a Civil Engineer's salary of $90,210 has the purchasing power of $94,958 in an average-cost area.

Civil Engineer Salary by City in Wisconsin

CityMedian SalaryHourly RateEntry Level (P10)Senior (P90)Employment
Milwaukee, WI$90,210$43.37/hr$59,367$131,969278

Modeled estimates derived from the 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS national median and regional cost factors. Sorted by estimated median salary (highest first).

Wisconsin vs National Average

Civil Engineer Salary Comparison

Wisconsin Average$90,210
National Average$95,890
Difference-$5,680 (-5.9%)

Employment in Wisconsin

There are approximately 278 Civil Engineers employed across 1 metro area in Wisconsin.

Key Industries: Manufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare

State Income Tax: 3.54% - 7.65%

Civil Engineer Salary Range in Wisconsin

Entry Level (10th Percentile)

$59,367

Starting salary for new Civil Engineers

Median (50th Percentile)

$90,210

Mid-career Civil Engineer salary

Senior (90th Percentile)

$131,969

Top earners in the field

Civil Engineer Salary in Neighboring States

Compare Civil Engineer salaries in Wisconsin with nearby states to find the best opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Civil Engineer salary in Wisconsin?

The average Civil Engineer salary in Wisconsin is $90,210 per year ($43.37/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 5.9% below the national average of $95,890.

What is the highest paying city for Civil Engineers in Wisconsin?

Milwaukee, WI is the highest paying city for Civil Engineers in Wisconsin, with a median salary of $90,210 per year.

What is the salary range for Civil Engineers in Wisconsin?

Civil Engineer salaries in Wisconsin range from $59,367 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $131,969 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $90,210 per year.

About This Data

The national median for this occupation comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The metro and state figures on this page are modeled estimates: we adjust that national median using regional wage differentials and cost-of-living indexes, then average the metros within Wisconsin. They are not direct BLS metro observations and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers.