Allentown vs West Chester: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Allentown, PA and West Chester, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Allentown, PA | West Chester, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $115,570▲ | $101,986 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.57▲ | $49.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,821▲ | $72,774 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,921▲ | $83,095 |
| 75th Percentile | $141,399▲ | $126,953 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $194,883▲ | $147,947 |
| Total Employed | 410▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Allentown, PA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Chester.
The salary gap between Allentown and West Chester is $13,584 (13.32%). 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,West Chester spans $75,173. 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 10.41% more than West Chester ($104,708 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 West Chester 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 -3.7% growth in West Chester over the same period.
Allentown, PA
$86,660 (2019) → $111,500 (2025)
West Chester, PA
$102,128 (2024) → $98,395 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Allentown, PA
West Chester, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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