Charlottesville vs Roanoke: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,075▲ | $112,906 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.09▲ | $54.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,263▲ | $78,411 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,090▲ | $90,766 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,964▲ | $139,793 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $181,388▲ | $159,445 |
| Total Employed | 110 | 270▲ |
Verdict
Charlottesville, VA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Roanoke is $14,169 (12.55%). Charlottesville's median is +1.63% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlottesville spans $92,125,Roanoke spans $81,034. Charlottesville 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, Charlottesville ($128,170 effective) pays 6.27% more than Roanoke ($120,603 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($127,075/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($181,388)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,170)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Charlottesville grew 16.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.2% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$104,990 (2019) → $122,600 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$94,590 (2019) → $108,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Roanoke, VA
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