Job Salary Guide · 2026
Mechanical Engineer Salary After Tax in Madison
Based on BLS OEWS data · WI · Single filer
Mechanical Engineer Salary Range
25th Percentile
$75,000
Take-home:
$57,560
$4,797/mo
Entry to mid-level
Median
$96,000
Take-home:
$71,221
$5,935/mo
Typical salary
75th Percentile
$122,000
Take-home:
$88,061
$7,338/mo
Senior / specialist
Tax Breakdown
At median salary of $96,000
Cost of Living in Madison
1BR Monthly Rent
$1,550/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
$1,950/mo
COL Index
1.16
Comfortable Rent Max
$1,483/mo
50 / 30 / 20 Budget Planner
Based on your monthly take-home of $5,935 ($71,220/yr)
$2,968
per month
- ›Rent / mortgage
- ›Groceries
- ›Utilities
- ›Insurance
- ›Minimum debt payments
- ›Transportation
$1,781
per month
- ›Dining out
- ›Streaming services
- ›Gym
- ›Hobbies
- ›Travel
- ›Shopping
$1,187
per month
- ›Emergency fund
- ›401(k) / IRA
- ›Investments
- ›Down payment fund
- ›Debt payoff (extra)
Needs / year
$35,610
Wants / year
$21,366
Savings / year
$14,244
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Mechanical Engineer salary in Madison?
The median Mechanical Engineer salary in Madison (WI) is $96,000 per year based on BLS OEWS data. The 25th percentile is $75,000 and the 75th percentile is $122,000.
What is the take-home pay for a Mechanical Engineer in Madison?
At the median salary of $96,000, a Mechanical Engineer in WI takes home approximately $71,221 per year ($5,935/month) after federal and state taxes. The effective tax rate is 25.81%.
Can a Mechanical Engineer afford rent in Madison?
The average 1-bedroom rent in Madison is $1,550/month. On the median Mechanical Engineer salary, your rent-to-income ratio is 26.1%, which is "Moderate". Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 25–30% of take-home pay ($1,483/month at this salary).
How does cost of living affect Mechanical Engineer salaries in Madison?
Madison has a cost-of-living index of 1.16 (1.00 = national average). Madison is 16% more expensive than the US average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the Mechanical Engineer salary.