What is the starting salary for Civil Engineering graduates in Milwaukee?

The estimated starting salary for Civil Engineering graduates in Milwaukee, WI is $63,920 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 94. The national average starting salary for this major is $68,000. Salaries in Milwaukee are 6% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Civil Engineering degree worth it in Milwaukee?

A Civil Engineering degree in Milwaukee has an estimated ROI payback period of 2.7 years, with a projected lifetime return of $714,504 after subtracting education costs. With 33 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $9,782/year, Milwaukee offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4.7% and the major's national unemployment rate of 2.8% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Civil Engineering in Milwaukee?

The average annual public university tuition in Milwaukee is $9,782, while private universities average $45,550/year. Including room and board ($11,342/year), total 4-year costs range from $84,496 at a public school to $227,568 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Milwaukee is $13,008/year.

What jobs can Civil Engineering graduates get in Milwaukee?

Civil Engineering graduates in Milwaukee can pursue careers as Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Project Manager. Key skills valued by local employers include Structural Analysis, AutoCAD, Surveying, Project Management. The Milwaukee job market features Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include AECOM, Bechtel, Jacobs.

How long to pay off student loans for Civil Engineering in Milwaukee?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Civil Engineering graduates in Milwaukee would pay $959/month on an estimated $84,496 in loans, with $30,636 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,653/month but save $15,937 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $63,920, monthly payments would represent 18% of gross monthly income.

Civil Engineering Degree in Milwaukee, WI — Salary & ROI 2026

Civil Engineering degree analysis for Milwaukee, WI. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$64K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$94K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

2.7 yrs

in Milwaukee

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

Civil Engineering in Milwaukee, WI Overview

Milwaukee is one of Wisconsin's top college towns, with 33 institutions and a student population of 59,419. Public tuition averages $9,782/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. Civil Engineering enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Structural Analysis and AutoCAD. The adjusted starting salary in Milwaukee is approximately $63,920.

Civil Engineering Salary in Milwaukee (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Milwaukee's cost of living index of 94 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$63,920($-4,080 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$94,000($-6,000 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$117,500($-7,500 vs national)

Note: National average Civil Engineering salary: $68,000 starting, $100,000 mid-career, $125,000 senior level.Milwaukee adjustment factor: 0.94x based on the local cost of living index.

Civil Engineering ROI Calculator for Milwaukee

Estimate your return on investment for a Civil Engineering degree using local Milwaukee tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $9,782 | Private avg: $45,550

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Milwaukee avg aid: $13,008/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$84,496

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$31,020

vs HS diploma in Milwaukee

ROI Payback Period

2.7 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Milwaukee

$714,504

Lifetime earnings premium ($799,000) minus total education cost ($84,496)

Student Loan Payoff for Civil Engineering in Milwaukee

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$84,496

Monthly Payment$959

Total Interest$30,636

% of Monthly Income18%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$84,496

Monthly Payment$1,653

Total Interest$14,700

Interest Savings$15,937

Colleges in Milwaukee for Civil Engineering

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

public

$9,782/yr

$39,128 total

Marquette University

private

$46,510/yr

$186,040 total

Milwaukee School of Engineering

private

$44,589/yr

$178,356 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Milwaukee Area Technical College

$4,620/yr

Top Employers for Civil Engineering in Milwaukee

Milwaukee offers opportunities in Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors for Civil Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:

AECOMBechtelJacobsUS Army Corps of EngineersKiewit

Key Milwaukee Hiring Sectors for Engineering

Engineering firms

Manufacturing

Defense contractors

Energy companies

Construction firms

Common Civil Engineering Job Titles

Civil EngineerStructural EngineerProject Manager

Civil Engineering in Nearby Wisconsin Cities

Madison, WI

$61K starting · COL 89

11 colleges

Green Bay, WI

$58K starting · COL 86

6 colleges

Kenosha, WI

$72K starting · COL 106

8 colleges

Racine, WI

$58K starting · COL 85.8

4 colleges

Appleton, WI

$54K starting · COL 79

6 colleges

Waukesha, WI

$62K starting · COL 90.5

3 colleges

Eau Claire, WI

$58K starting · COL 86

2 colleges

Oshkosh, WI

$73K starting · COL 107

3 colleges

Other Engineering Majors in Milwaukee

Petroleum Engineering

$47K starting · 2.5 yr ROI

Computer Engineering

$47K starting · 3 yr ROI

Chemical Engineering

$77K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Nuclear Engineering

$47K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Electrical Engineering

$75K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Aerospace Engineering

$75K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mechanical Engineering

$73K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mining Engineering

$47K starting · 3 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Civil Engineering degree outcomes in Milwaukee, WI: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Civil Engineering programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Wisconsin.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Milwaukee using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Civil Engineering graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Civil Engineering career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Civil Engineering grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Milwaukee Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Wisconsin students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Wisconsin)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Wisconsin programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "wisconsin higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Civil Engineering Degree in Milwaukee — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Civil Engineering ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Milwaukee.

Civil Engineering Overview Colleges in Milwaukee All Majors