Lancaster vs Pittsburgh: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Lancaster, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lancaster, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,050▲ | $108,822 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.43▲ | $52.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,779 | $80,971▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,242 | $88,662▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $137,253▲ | $136,362 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,959▲ | $163,145 |
| Total Employed | 170 | 1,630▲ |
Verdict
Lancaster, PA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburgh.
The salary gap between Lancaster and Pittsburgh is $228 (0.21%). Lancaster's median is -12.78% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lancaster spans $89,180,Pittsburgh spans $82,174. Lancaster 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, Pittsburgh ($114,948 effective) pays 3.57% more than Lancaster ($110,984 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,050/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,959)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,630 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,948)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Lancaster grew 9.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.3% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
Lancaster, PA
$96,420 (2019) → $105,210 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$96,910 (2019) → $104,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lancaster, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Lancaster or Pittsburgh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lancaster and Pittsburgh?
Should I relocate from Lancaster to Pittsburgh as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Lancaster vs Pittsburgh?
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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