Altoona vs Philadelphia: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Altoona, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Altoona, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,112 | $132,392▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.46 | $63.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,349 | $84,350▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $88,849 | $103,432▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $125,520 | $149,546▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,346 | $186,974▲ |
| Total Employed | 50 | 3,520▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Altoona.
The salary gap between Altoona and Philadelphia is $23,280 (21.34%). Philadelphia's median is +5.89% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Altoona spans $104,997,Philadelphia spans $102,624. Altoona 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, Philadelphia ($129,095 effective) pays 5.90% more than Altoona ($121,903 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Altoona if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,392/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($186,974)
- ✓Larger job market (3,520 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $129,095)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Altoona grew 1.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.3% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Altoona, PA
$103,550 (2019) → $105,270 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$101,930 (2019) → $127,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Altoona, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Altoona or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Altoona and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Altoona to Philadelphia as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Altoona vs Philadelphia?
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