Dallas vs San Marcos: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Dallas, TX and San Marcos, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | San Marcos, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,930 | $154,179▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.98 | $74.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,520 | $97,356▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $92,673 | $117,604▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $166,959 | $193,704▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $212,524 | $231,449▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,720▲ | 13 |
Verdict
San Marcos, TX offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dallas.
The salary gap between Dallas and San Marcos is $25,249 (19.58%). San Marcos's median is +23.31% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $133,004,San Marcos spans $134,093. San Marcos 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, San Marcos ($160,603 effective) pays 28.42% more than Dallas ($125,065 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Larger job market (5,720 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Marcos if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($154,179/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($231,449)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,603)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Dallas grew 21.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.6% growth in San Marcos over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$102,310 (2019) → $124,390 (2025)
San Marcos, TX
$114,762 (2024) → $148,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
San Marcos, TX
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