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2026 Salary Data • Updated June 2026
Direct Market Data

Automation Engineer Salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee has very high demand for Automation Engineer positions, driven by its very high automation industry presence. The city's Manufacturing sector is particularly active in hiring automation professionals.

Average Salary
$109,273
per year
Salary Range
$74,024 - $148,047
Entry to Senior
Cost of Living
89
vs Global Average (100)
Job Demand
very high
Industry Strength
very high
Currency
USD
Data Quality
high

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

Experience LevelYears of ExperienceAverage Salary (USD)Salary Range (USD)
Entry Level
0-2 years$74,024$66,622 - $81,426
Mid Level
3-7 years$105,748$95,173 - $116,323
Senior Level
8+ years$148,047$133,242 - $162,852

Salary data is based on actual market surveys and job postings from this city. Sources: Calculated from national average with regional adjustments.

Cost of Living in Milwaukee

Milwaukee has a cost of living that is 11% lower than the global average. Average rent is approximately $1,200 per month. The purchasing power index is 106, indicating strong local purchasing power.

Cost of Living Index
89
Purchasing Power
106
Average Rent
$1,200/mo

Major PLC Employers in Milwaukee

Harley-Davidson

Milwaukee Tool

Rockwell Automation

Johnson Controls

Modine Manufacturing

Rexnord

Dominant PLC Brands

The most commonly used PLC platforms in Milwaukee:

1
Allen-Bradley
2
Siemens
3
GE

Preferred Certifications

Certifications valued by employers in Milwaukee:

Allen-Bradley
Rockwell Automation
Siemens

Key Industry Sectors in Milwaukee

Milwaukee has a strong presence in the following industrial sectors that utilize PLC programming and automation:

Manufacturing
Automotive
Industrial Equipment
Controls

Compare with Similar Cities

Compare Automation Engineer salaries in Milwaukee with similar cities:

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Automation Engineer salary in Milwaukee?

The average Automation Engineer salary in Milwaukee is $109,273 per year. Entry-level positions start around $74,024, while senior professionals can earn $148,047 or more.

Which companies hire Automation Engineers in Milwaukee?

Major employers in Milwaukee include Harley-Davidson, Milwaukee Tool, Rockwell Automation, and many others. The Manufacturing sector is particularly active in hiring automation professionals.

What PLC brands are most common in Milwaukee?

The dominant PLC brands in Milwaukee are Allen-Bradley, Siemens, GE. Having certifications in Allen-Bradley is particularly valuable for professionals in this market.

How does the cost of living affect salary in Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a cost of living that is 11% lower than the global average. Average rent is approximately $1,200 per month. The purchasing power index is 106, indicating strong local purchasing power. This cost of living adjustment is reflected in the salary ranges shown above.

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