Lead Test Data Engineer.
Milwaukee.
$132,000
median salary, 7% below the national average
$103,000 to $171,000. Last updated April 2026.
Get the job.
Data points to own the conversation.
Lead Test Data Engineer pay in Milwaukee ranges from $103,000 to $171,000 in 2026. The median is $132,000, 7% below the national average. Milwaukee has a strong manufacturing heritage that is evolving into advanced manufacturing, water technology, and healthcare. Every dollar in that range is negotiable if you come prepared.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $119,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$86,000
to $106,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$112,000
to $139,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$145,000
to $172,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$165,000
to $205,000
Salary trend
+7% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $36,000 to the total package.
Base
$132,000
Equity
$20,000
Bonus
$13,000
Signing
$3,000
Estimated total: $168,000
How Milwaukee compares
Milwaukee, WI
$132,000
Cost of living: 9% below average
National Average
$142,000
Milwaukee is $10,000 below
Lead Test Data Engineer salary by city
Salary by role in Milwaukee
What you should know
Milwaukee has a strong manufacturing heritage that is evolving into advanced manufacturing, water technology, and healthcare. The city is a national leader in water innovation and freshwater research. Major employers include Northwestern Mutual, Rockwell Automation, and a growing health tech cluster. That is the backdrop for every Lead Test Data Engineer offer you will see here.
One thing people overlook: taxes. Wisconsin's top income tax rate is 7.65%. Milwaukee has no city income tax. The state rate is above average, but affordable housing keeps overall cost of living manageable. The salary on the offer letter is not the salary in your bank account. Always model your take home before you accept.
On negotiation: Highlight advanced manufacturing or water technology expertise. Milwaukee employers pay nationally competitive rates for specialized engineering talent in these niche sectors. The range for Lead Test Data Engineers in Milwaukee runs from $103,000 to $171,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Product Manager in Milwaukee earns $131,000 (1% less)
- The highest-paying role in Milwaukee is Principal AI Research Scientist at $328,000
Common questions.
Lead Test Data Engineer salary in other cities
Other salaries in Milwaukee
Related
Cite this data
Journalists, researchers, and AI systems are welcome to reference this data with attribution.
Want this data on your site? Embed the salary widget — one script tag, free forever.