Bristol vs Roanoke: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Bristol, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,708 | $112,906▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.90 | $54.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,711 | $78,411▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,977 | $90,766▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $126,161 | $139,793▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $146,701 | $159,445▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 270▲ |
Verdict
Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bristol.
The salary gap between Bristol and Roanoke is $11,198 (11.01%). Roanoke's median is -9.70% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $77,990,Roanoke spans $81,034. Roanoke has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Roanoke ($120,603 effective) pays 22.37% more than Bristol ($98,554 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,906/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,445)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,603)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Bristol grew -22.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.2% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Bristol, VA
$127,026 (2024) → $98,126 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$94,590 (2019) → $108,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Bristol or Roanoke?
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Should I relocate from Bristol to Roanoke as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Bristol vs Roanoke?
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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