Las Vegas vs Reno: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Las Vegas, NV and Reno, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Vegas, NV | Reno, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,310 | $114,305▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.51 | $54.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,707 | $80,246▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,439 | $92,103▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $141,265▲ | $133,574 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $173,438▲ | $166,835 |
| Total Employed | 740▲ | 250 |
Verdict
Las Vegas and Reno are closely matched on overall electrical engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Las Vegas and Reno is $2,995 (2.69%). Reno's median is -8.58% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Las Vegas spans $93,731,Reno spans $86,589. Las Vegas 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, Reno ($113,158 effective) pays 1.88% more than Las Vegas ($111,071 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Las Vegas if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($173,438)
- ✓Larger job market (740 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Choose Reno if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($114,305/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,158)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Las Vegas grew 30.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.0% growth in Reno over the same period.
Las Vegas, NV
$82,510 (2019) → $107,390 (2025)
Reno, NV
$88,900 (2019) → $110,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Vegas, NV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Las Vegas or Reno?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Vegas and Reno?
Should I relocate from Las Vegas to Reno as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Las Vegas vs Reno?
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