Allentown vs State College: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Allentown, PA and State College, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Allentown, PA | State College, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $115,570▲ | $101,007 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.57▲ | $48.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,821▲ | $68,917 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,921▲ | $84,755 |
| 75th Percentile | $141,399▲ | $126,329 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $194,883▲ | $164,099 |
| Total Employed | 410▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Allentown, PA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to State College.
The salary gap between Allentown and State College is $14,563 (14.42%). Allentown's median is -7.57% 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,State College spans $95,182. 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, Allentown ($115,607 effective) pays 10.75% more than State College ($104,387 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Allentown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($115,570/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($194,883)
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,607)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose State College if…
- ✓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 16.4% growth in State College over the same period.
Allentown, PA
$86,660 (2019) → $111,500 (2025)
State College, PA
$83,720 (2019) → $97,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Allentown, PA
State College, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Allentown or State College?
What is the hourly rate difference between Allentown and State College?
Should I relocate from Allentown to State College as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Allentown vs State College?
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