Electrical Engineer Salary in Charleston, WV: $92,057 (2026)

Electrical Engineer Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median electrical engineer salary of $92,057, which is $4,185 above the West Virginia state average of $87,872. Compared to the national median of $104,610, Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Charleston's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $92,057 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $104,610 in an average-cost city. This makes Charleston an attractive option for electrical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for electrical engineers in Charleston spans from $58,080 at the 10th percentile to $142,560 at the 90th percentile — a $84,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,840, while senior electrical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $136,400. Charleston is a smaller market (pop. 48,006), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Electrical Engineer Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level electrical engineer earns around $59,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$59,840

$-8,160 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$93,280

$-12,720 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$136,400

$-18,600 vs national

Percentile	Charleston	WV State	National
10th Percentile	$58,080	$55,440	$66,000
25th Percentile	$73,040	$69,720	$83,000
Median (50th)	$92,057	$87,872	$104,610
75th Percentile	$116,160	$110,880	$132,000
90th Percentile	$142,560	$136,080	$162,000

Percentile

Charleston

10th Percentile

$58,080

25th Percentile

$73,040

Median (50th)

$92,057

75th Percentile

$116,160

90th Percentile

$142,560

How to Become a Electrical Engineer in Charleston

Education

Most electrical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Charleston and the surrounding West Virginia area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Circuit DesignMATLABPCB DesignPower SystemsControl SystemsEmbedded Systems

Job Outlook

Nationally, electrical engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Electrical Engineer Salary in Charleston

How much does a Electrical Engineer make in Charleston, WV? ▼

The median electrical engineer salary in Charleston, West Virginia is $92,057 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $104,610. Salaries range from $58,080 (10th percentile) to $142,560 (90th percentile).

How much does a Electrical Engineer make per hour in Charleston? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $92,057, a electrical engineer in Charleston earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Charleston compare to the West Virginia state average for electrical engineer pay? ▼

Charleston's median electrical engineer salary of $92,057 is 4.8% above the West Virginia state average of $87,872. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Charleston, WV? ▼

Charleston has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a electrical engineer salary of $92,057 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a electrical engineer in Charleston? ▼

Most electrical engineer positions in Charleston require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Circuit Design, MATLAB, PCB Design, Power Systems. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

Electrical Engineer Salary in Charleston, West Virginia