Technology Wisconsin (WI) Rank #30 of 50

Network Engineer Salary in Wisconsin

The median network engineer salary in Wisconsin is $84,640 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $92,000.

Median Salary
$84,640
vs National
$-7,360
State Rank
#30 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Network Engineer Salary Overview in Wisconsin (2026)

Wisconsin ranks #30 out of 50 states for network engineer compensation. Network Engineer salaries in Wisconsin are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $84,640 per year, network engineers in Wisconsin earn $7,360 less than the national median of $92,000.

A key advantage of working in Wisconsin is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $84,640 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $92,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Wisconsin is significant: network engineers at the 10th percentile earn $51,520, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $133,400 — a $81,880 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 $92,000.

Nationally, network engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for network engineers across the country.

Network Engineer Salary in Wisconsin by Experience

In Wisconsin, an entry-level network engineer earns around $55,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $126,960 per year. The cost of living index in Wisconsin is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,200
$-4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,480
$-7,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$126,960
$-11,040 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Wisconsin

Percentile WI Salary
10th Percentile $51,520
25th Percentile $68,080
Median (50th) $84,640
75th Percentile $108,560
90th Percentile $133,400

Network Engineer Salary by City in Wisconsin

The largest employment areas for network 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 Network Engineer in Wisconsin

Education

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

Key Skills

CiscoTCP/IPFirewallsVPNNetwork MonitoringCCNA/CCNP

Job Outlook in Wisconsin

Nationally, network engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Wisconsin's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Network Engineer Salary in Wisconsin

How much does a Network Engineer make in Wisconsin? ▼
The median network engineer salary in Wisconsin is $84,640 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $92,000. Salaries range from $51,520 (10th percentile) to $133,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Network Engineer make per hour in Wisconsin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $84,640, a network engineer in Wisconsin earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Wisconsin a good state for network engineers? ▼
Wisconsin ranks #30 out of 50 states for network engineer pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level network engineers earn $55,200, while senior professionals earn $126,960.
How does Wisconsin compare to other states for network engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for network engineers is Hawaii at $151,800. Wisconsin's median of $84,640 ranks #30 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Idaho ($86,480) and New Mexico ($85,560).
What is the entry-level network engineer salary in Wisconsin? ▼
An entry-level network engineer in Wisconsin earns approximately $55,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $86,480. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $126,960.
What city in Wisconsin pays network engineers the most? ▼
Madison is the highest paying city in Wisconsin for network engineers, with a median salary of $92,000. Other cities include Milwaukee and Green Bay.