Kent vs Spokane: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Kent, WA and Spokane, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kent, WA | Spokane, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,827 | $126,557▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.49 | $60.84▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,369 | $82,868▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $97,281 | $98,913▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $161,059▲ | $146,333 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $195,032▲ | $166,286 |
| Total Employed | 33 | 320▲ |
Verdict
Spokane, WA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kent.
The salary gap between Kent and Spokane is $730 (0.58%). Spokane's median is +1.22% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kent spans $113,663,Spokane spans $83,418. Kent 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, Spokane ($126,121 effective) pays 7.65% more than Kent ($117,157 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kent if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($195,032)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Spokane if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($126,557/year)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,121)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Kent grew -14.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.4% growth in Spokane over the same period.
Kent, WA
$141,519 (2024) → $121,396 (2025)
Spokane, WA
$98,160 (2019) → $122,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Spokane, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Kent or Spokane?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kent and Spokane?
Should I relocate from Kent to Spokane as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Kent vs Spokane?
Related Comparisons
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