Technology Wisconsin (WI) Rank #30 of 50

Data Engineer Salary in Wisconsin

The median data engineer salary in Wisconsin is $115,000 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $125,000.

Median Salary
$115,000
vs National
$-10,000
State Rank
#30 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Data Engineer Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #30 out of 50 states for data engineer compensation. Data Engineer salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $115,000 per year, data engineers in Wisconsin earn $10,000 less than the national median of $125,000.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $115,000 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $125,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: data engineers at the 10th percentile earn $71,760, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $174,800 — a $103,040 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Wisconsin for this role is Madison, where the median reaches $125,000.

Nationally, data engineer employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Wisconsin and beyond.

Data Engineer Salary in Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level data engineer earns around $73,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $165,600 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,600
$-6,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$116,840
$-10,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$165,600
$-14,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $71,760
25th Percentile $92,000
Median (50th) $115,000
75th Percentile $145,360
90th Percentile $174,800

Data Engineer Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for data engineers in Wisconsin include Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Data Engineer in Wisconsin

Education

Most data engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Wisconsin has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PythonSQLSparkAirflowAWS/GCPData Modeling

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

Nationally, data engineer employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). Wisconsin's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Data Engineer Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Data Engineer make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median data engineer salary in Wisconsin is $115,000 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $125,000. Salaries range from $71,760 (10th percentile) to $174,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Data Engineer make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $115,000, a data engineer in Wisconsin earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for data engineers? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #30 out of 50 states for data engineer pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level data engineers earn $73,600, while senior professionals earn $165,600.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for data engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for data engineers is Hawaii at $206,250. Wisconsin's median of $115,000 ranks #30 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Idaho ($117,500) and New Mexico ($116,250).
What is the entry-level data engineer salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level data engineer in Wisconsin earns approximately $73,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $116,840. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $165,600.
What city in Wisconsin pays data engineers the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for data engineers, with a median salary of $125,000. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.