Kennewick vs Tumwater: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Kennewick, WA and Tumwater, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | Tumwater, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,869▲ | $125,593 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.88▲ | $60.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,013▲ | $78,825 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,062▲ | $99,962 |
| 75th Percentile | $170,110▲ | $153,302 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,004 | $191,613▲ |
| Total Employed | 450▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tumwater.
The salary gap between Kennewick and Tumwater is $7,276 (5.79%). Kennewick's median is +6.27% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kennewick spans $78,991,Tumwater spans $112,788. Tumwater 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, Kennewick ($132,764 effective) pays 13.53% more than Tumwater ($116,939 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,869/year)
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,764)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tumwater if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($191,613)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Kennewick grew 14.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -12.7% growth in Tumwater over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$112,310 (2019) → $128,190 (2025)
Tumwater, WA
$138,775 (2024) → $121,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
Tumwater, WA
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