Engineering Washington (WA) Rank #7 of 50

Electrical Engineer Salary in Washington

The median electrical engineer salary in Washington is $120,301 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $104,610.

Median Salary
$120,301
vs National
+$15,691
State Rank
#7 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Electrical Engineer Salary Overview in Washington (2026)

Washington ranks #7 out of 50 states for electrical engineer compensation. This places Washington in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for electrical engineers seeking high pay. At $120,301 per year, electrical engineers in Washington earn $15,691 more than the national median of $104,610.

It's worth noting that Washington's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $120,301 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $104,610.

The salary spread in Washington is significant: electrical engineers at the 10th percentile earn $75,900, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $186,300 — a $110,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Washington for this role is Bellevue, where the median reaches $159,007.

Nationally, electrical engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for electrical engineers across the country.

Electrical Engineer Salary in Washington by Experience

In Washington, an entry-level electrical engineer earns around $78,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $178,250 per year. The cost of living index in Washington is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$78,200
+$10,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$121,900
+$15,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$178,250
+$23,250 vs national

You May Qualify for Premium Rewards

Professionals earning $120,301+ often qualify for premium rewards cards with $500+ signup bonuses and 2–5% cashback on every purchase.

View Offers You Qualify For →

Salary Percentiles in Washington

Percentile WA Salary
10th Percentile $75,900
25th Percentile $95,450
Median (50th) $120,301
75th Percentile $151,800
90th Percentile $186,300

Electrical Engineer Salary by City in Washington

The largest employment areas for electrical engineers in Washington include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Electrical Engineer in Washington

Education

Most electrical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Washington has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Circuit DesignMATLABPCB DesignPower SystemsControl SystemsEmbedded Systems

Job Outlook in Washington

Nationally, electrical engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Washington's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Electrical Engineers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $57,949 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Electrical Engineer Roles in Washington?

Get matched with recruiters hiring electrical engineers in Washington at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Electrical Engineer Salary in Washington

How much does a Electrical Engineer make in Washington? ▼
The median electrical engineer salary in Washington is $120,301 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $104,610. Salaries range from $75,900 (10th percentile) to $186,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Electrical Engineer make per hour in Washington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $120,301, a electrical engineer in Washington earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Washington a good state for electrical engineers? ▼
Washington ranks #7 out of 50 states for electrical engineer pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level electrical engineers earn $78,200, while senior professionals earn $178,250.
How does Washington compare to other states for electrical engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for electrical engineers is Hawaii at $177,837. Washington's median of $120,301 ranks #7 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New York ($127,624) and New Jersey ($120,301).
What is the entry-level electrical engineer salary in Washington? ▼
An entry-level electrical engineer in Washington earns approximately $78,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $121,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $178,250.
What city in Washington pays electrical engineers the most? ▼
Bellevue is the highest paying city in Washington for electrical engineers, with a median salary of $159,007. Other cities include Seattle and Spokane.