Harrisonburg vs Richmond: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Harrisonburg, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Harrisonburg, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,263 | $121,022▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.49 | $58.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,644 | $83,677▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,816 | $102,686▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $142,417▲ | $138,901 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,939▲ | $165,125 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 1,160▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Harrisonburg.
The salary gap between Harrisonburg and Richmond is $9,759 (8.77%). Richmond's median is -3.21% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Harrisonburg spans $97,295,Richmond spans $81,448. Harrisonburg 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, Richmond ($123,671 effective) pays 14.71% more than Harrisonburg ($107,813 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Harrisonburg if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,939)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($121,022/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $123,671)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Harrisonburg grew 10.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.8% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Harrisonburg, VA
$97,250 (2019) → $107,345 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$97,440 (2019) → $116,760 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Harrisonburg, VA
Richmond, 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