Houston vs McAllen: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Houston, TX and McAllen, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | McAllen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,854▲ | $103,609 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.32▲ | $49.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,987▲ | $60,739 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,494▲ | $80,080 |
| 75th Percentile | $170,235▲ | $138,197 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $215,582▲ | $156,605 |
| Total Employed | 5,770▲ | 100 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to McAllen.
The salary gap between Houston and McAllen is $32,245 (31.12%). Houston's median is +8.65% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $135,595,McAllen spans $95,866. Houston 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, Houston ($137,742 effective) pays 14.19% more than McAllen ($120,623 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,854/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($215,582)
- ✓Larger job market (5,770 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $137,742)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose McAllen if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Houston grew 25.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.6% growth in McAllen over the same period.
Houston, TX
$104,210 (2019) → $131,070 (2025)
McAllen, TX
$88,770 (2019) → $99,960 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
McAllen, 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