Average Electrical Engineers Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Electrical Engineers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area earn an impressive average annual salary of $139,850. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $121,030, indicating a strong demand and higher compensation for specialized engineering talent within this dynamic region. The concentration of government, defense, and technology sectors likely drives this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $139,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $191,880.
- Outlook: The local job market for Electrical Engineers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area appears robust, with a total workforce of 3,660 professionals. A Location Quotient of 0.96 suggests that the concentration of these roles is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a stable and significant presence of electrical engineering opportunities within the region's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Electrical Engineers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+15.5%above the national average.
$67.2
$2,689
$11,654
Electrical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Electrical Engineers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing technological complexity, infrastructure development, and demand from key local industries likely contribute to upward salary adjustments.
Electrical Engineers Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Salary progression for Electrical Engineers in this region typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior engineers with extensive project management and design expertise can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career advancement and increased earning potential associated with accumulating years of experience and specialized skills.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $88,540 | $42.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $104,888 | $50.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $136,820 | $65.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $174,813 | $84 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $191,880 | $92.3 |
Detailed Electrical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$139,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$139,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $139,850 in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area is particularly attractive given its Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the higher nominal salary translates directly into strong purchasing power, allowing engineers to maintain a comparable or even improved standard of living compared to their counterparts in higher-cost regions.
Job Market Context
3,660
Total Jobs
1.174
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 0.96x the national average concentration of Electrical Engineers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.96, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metropolitan area exhibits a job market for Electrical Engineers that is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a healthy and competitive landscape where opportunities are readily available, but perhaps not overwhelmingly saturated, offering a balanced environment for both job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Electrical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Electrical Engineers Salary | $99,360↓ 29% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Electrical Engineers Salary | $123,960↓ 11% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Electrical Engineers Salary | $127,890↓ 9% | 55 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Electrical Engineers Salary | $107,000↓ 23% | 63 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Electrical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Electrical Engineers make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Electrical Engineers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $139,850. This typically ranges from $88,540 for entry-level positions to $191,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 15.5% higher than the national median of $121,030.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Electrical Engineers?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative area for Electrical Engineers.Electrical Engineers in this region earn significantly above the national average salary, and the cost of living is at the national average, maximizing earning potential.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Electrical Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($99,360) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the Electrical Engineer salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Electrical Engineers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is $139,850, which is substantially higher than the national average of $121,030.
What is the concentration of Electrical Engineers in this area?
The Location Quotient for Electrical Engineers is 0.96, indicating a concentration that is very close to the national average, suggesting a stable job market.
How does the cost of living affect the Electrical Engineer salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. This means the higher salary in this region offers excellent purchasing power.
How many Electrical Engineers work in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area?
There are approximately 3,660 Electrical Engineers employed in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,660 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 1.174 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-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV