How much does a Department Lead make in Wisconsin? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Department Lead in Wisconsin is $46,674 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.

However, a Department Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $52,627
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $41,849 to $49,790
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $37,457

Key Factors That Influence Department Lead Salaries

A Department Lead's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Department Lead Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Department Lead's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $43,895
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $44,150
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $45,002
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $46,025
  • Expert (over 8 years): $46,760
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Department Lead less than 1 year $43,895
Early Career Level Department Lead 1-2 years $44,150
Mid-Level Level Department Lead 2-4 years $45,002
Senior-Level Level Department Lead 5-8 years $46,025
Expert Level Department Lead over 8 years $46,760

Top Paying Cities for Department Lead

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Green Lake: $45,400
  • Greenville: $45,832
  • Hancock: $44,999

Department Lead Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Department Lead roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Media, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Department Lead positions in Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Department Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Department Lead

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Media $56,009 $27.0 20%

Department Lead Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Department Lead's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$41,849
Average $46,674/year
$49,790
$3,487
Average $3,889/month
$4,149
$805
Average $898/week
$957
$20
Average $22/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $49,790 $4,149 $957 $24
Average $46,674 $3,889 $898 $22
25th Percentile $41,849 $3,487 $805 $20

Find Your Next Department Lead Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Department Lead job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • MRA Recruiting Services | Menomonee Falls, WI

    MRA Recruiting Services | Menomonee Falls, WI

    Job Description. Job Description. CNC Department Lead. Love Aerospace. Looking for a Machine Shop That Has a Great Culture. At Reich Tool & Design, you won... more

    2 Days Ago

  • The Kroger Company | Brown Deer, WI

    The Kroger Company | Brown Deer, WI

    The Kroger Company - 9200 North Green Bay Road - Responsibilities: Meet/exceed customer expectations for ease of shopping, variety, freshness and cleanline... more

    5 Days Ago

  • The Kroger Company | Greenfield, WI

    The Kroger Company | Greenfield, WI

    The Kroger Company - 4279 South 76th Street - Responsibilities: Meet/exceed customer expectations for ease of shopping, variety, freshness and cleanliness.... more

    5 Days Ago

  • The Kroger Company | Sun Prairie, WI

    The Kroger Company | Sun Prairie, WI

    The Kroger Company - 640 East Main Street - Responsibilities: Assist the Store e-Commerce manager in managing the day-to-day operation of the store's e-Com... more

    5 Days Ago

  • The Kroger Company | Oconomowoc, WI

    The Kroger Company | Oconomowoc, WI

    The Kroger Company - 1300 Pabst Farms Circle - Responsibilities: Assist the Store e-Commerce manager in managing the day-to-day operation of the store's e-... more

    5 Days Ago

  • The Kroger Company | Stevens Point, WI

    The Kroger Company | Stevens Point, WI

    The Kroger Company - 1500 Pinecrest Avenue - Responsibilities: Assist the Store e-Commerce manager in day-to-day operation of the store's e-Commerce depart... more

    5 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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