Allentown vs Bethlehem: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Allentown, PA and Bethlehem, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Allentown, PA | Bethlehem, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $115,570 | $118,385▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $55.57 | $56.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,821▲ | $74,951 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,921 | $90,449▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $141,399 | $148,882▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $194,883▲ | $177,962 |
| Total Employed | 410▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Allentown and Bethlehem are closely matched on overall electrical engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Allentown and Bethlehem is $2,815 (2.44%). Bethlehem's median is -5.32% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Allentown spans $115,062,Bethlehem spans $103,011. Allentown has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bethlehem ($121,545 effective) pays 5.14% more than Allentown ($115,607 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Allentown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($194,883)
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Bethlehem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($118,385/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,545)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Allentown grew 28.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.2% growth in Bethlehem over the same period.
Allentown, PA
$86,660 (2019) → $111,500 (2025)
Bethlehem, PA
$110,628 (2024) → $114,216 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Allentown, PA
Bethlehem, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Allentown or Bethlehem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Allentown and Bethlehem?
Should I relocate from Allentown to Bethlehem as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Allentown vs Bethlehem?
Related Comparisons
Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov