Average Electrical Engineers Salary in Washington
Electrical Engineers in Washington can expect a robust average annual salary of $130,870, significantly exceeding the national average of $121,030. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the state's strong technological and aerospace sectors, which demand specialized engineering expertise and offer competitive remuneration to attract top talent.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $130,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $180,880.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 10,010 Electrical Engineers, Washington demonstrates a significant concentration of this profession. The Location Quotient of 2.31 indicates that this role is more than twice as prevalent in Washington compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and active job market with sustained demand for electrical engineering professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Electrical Engineers in Washington earns+8.1%above the national average.
$62.9
$2,517
$10,906
Electrical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Electrical Engineers in Washington have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is typically fueled by ongoing innovation, infrastructure development, and the increasing complexity of electrical systems across various industries, leading to upward pressure on compensation.
Electrical Engineers Salary Distribution in Washington
The salary trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Washington typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start lower, but as professionals gain expertise and move into senior or specialized roles, their earning potential increases substantially. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries, often reflected in percentile data, clearly signifies a strong career progression path and increased earning capacity.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $80,980 | $38.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $98,153 | $47.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $130,730 | $62.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $163,588 | $78.6 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $180,880 | $87 |
Detailed Electrical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$130,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$113,701
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
The average annual salary of $130,870 in Washington presents a strong nominal income. However, with a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, which is 15.1% higher than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat tempered. While still offering a good standard of living, individuals should factor in the higher expenses for housing, goods, and services when considering relocation.
Job Market Context
10,010
Total Jobs
2.829
Per 1K Jobs
2.31
Location Quotient
Washington has 2.3x the national concentration of Electrical Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 2.31 for Electrical Engineers in Washington signifies a highly concentrated job market, meaning the profession is significantly more prevalent here than in the rest of the United States. This suggests a high demand and a competitive environment, where employers actively seek out skilled electrical engineers, potentially leading to more opportunities and better negotiation power for qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Electrical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Electrical Engineers Salary | $140,500↑ 7% | 42 mi |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Electrical Engineers Salary | $124,860↓ 5% | 54 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Electrical Engineers Salary | $110,240↓ 16% | 58 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Electrical Engineers Salary | $99,020↓ 24% | 70 mi |
| Yakima, WA Electrical Engineers Salary | $112,640↓ 14% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Electrical Engineers make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Electrical Engineers in Washington is $130,870. This typically ranges from $80,980 for entry-level positions to $180,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 8.1% higher than the national median of $121,030.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Electrical Engineers?
Yes, Washington is a highly lucrative state for Electrical Engineers.The average salary of $130,870 is substantially higher than the national average, and the high concentration of the profession indicates strong demand and competitive compensation.
Is Washington a good place to live for Electrical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($140,500) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.
How does Washington's Electrical Engineer salary compare to the national average?
Electrical Engineers in Washington earn an average of $130,870 annually, which is notably higher than the national average of $121,030.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.31 mean for Electrical Engineers in Washington?
A Location Quotient of 2.31 indicates that Electrical Engineers are more than twice as concentrated in Washington compared to the national average, suggesting a strong presence and demand for the profession.
How does the cost of living affect the Electrical Engineer salary in Washington?
While the salary is high at $130,870, the cost of living index of 115.1 means expenses are about 15.1% higher than the national average, impacting the real value of the salary.
What is the total number of Electrical Engineers in Washington?
There are approximately 10,010 Electrical Engineers employed within Washington state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 10,010 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 2.829 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Electrical Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington