Altoona vs Pittsburgh: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Altoona, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Altoona, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,112▲ | $108,822 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.46▲ | $52.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,349 | $80,971▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $88,849▲ | $88,662 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,520 | $136,362▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,346▲ | $163,145 |
| Total Employed | 50 | 1,630▲ |
Verdict
Altoona, PA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburgh.
The salary gap between Altoona and Pittsburgh is $290 (0.27%). Altoona's median is -12.73% 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,Pittsburgh spans $82,174. 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, Altoona ($121,903 effective) pays 6.05% more than Pittsburgh ($114,948 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Altoona if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,112/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($183,346)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,903)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,630 employed)
- ✓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 8.3% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
Altoona, PA
$103,550 (2019) → $105,270 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$96,910 (2019) → $104,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Altoona, PA
Pittsburgh, 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