Kenosha vs Milwaukee: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Kenosha, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kenosha, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,591 | $98,720▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.92 | $47.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,684▲ | $69,634 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,053 | $79,343▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,986 | $115,572▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,440 | $134,486▲ |
| Total Employed | 50 | 2,330▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kenosha.
The salary gap between Kenosha and Milwaukee is $1,129 (1.16%). 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 Kenosha spans $51,756,Milwaukee spans $64,852. Milwaukee 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, Milwaukee ($101,839 effective) pays 5.52% more than Kenosha ($96,512 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kenosha if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,720/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($134,486)
- ✓Larger job market (2,330 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,839)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Kenosha grew 7.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.8% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Kenosha, WI
$88,500 (2024) → $95,090 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$74,100 (2019) → $96,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kenosha, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Kenosha or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kenosha and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Kenosha to Milwaukee as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Kenosha vs Milwaukee?
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