Ellensburg vs Seattle: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Ellensburg, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ellensburg, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $120,244 | $145,328▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $57.81 | $69.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,563 | $101,712▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $93,339 | $113,321▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $147,833 | $175,625▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,884 | $209,819▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 4,930▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ellensburg.
The salary gap between Ellensburg and Seattle is $25,084 (20.86%). Seattle's median is +16.23% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ellensburg spans $92,321,Seattle spans $108,107. Seattle 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, Seattle ($130,769 effective) pays 16.80% more than Ellensburg ($111,959 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ellensburg if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($145,328/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($209,819)
- ✓Larger job market (4,930 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $130,769)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Ellensburg grew -14.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.3% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Ellensburg, WA
$135,240 (2024) → $116,010 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$116,560 (2019) → $140,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ellensburg, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Ellensburg or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ellensburg and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Ellensburg to Seattle as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Ellensburg vs Seattle?
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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