Elko vs Reno: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Elko, NV and Reno, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elko, NV | Reno, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $115,002▲ | $114,305 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.29▲ | $54.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,575▲ | $80,246 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,620▲ | $92,103 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,786▲ | $133,574 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,186 | $166,835▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Elko and Reno are closely matched on overall electrical engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Elko and Reno is $697 (0.61%). Elko's median is -8.02% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elko spans $78,611,Reno spans $86,589. Reno 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, Elko ($116,991 effective) pays 3.39% more than Reno ($113,158 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elko if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($115,002/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,991)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Choose Reno if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,835)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Elko grew 7.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.0% growth in Reno over the same period.
Elko, NV
$103,014 (2024) → $110,952 (2025)
Reno, NV
$88,900 (2019) → $110,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Elko or Reno?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elko and Reno?
Should I relocate from Elko to Reno as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Elko vs Reno?
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