Mesa vs Tempe: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Mesa, AZ and Tempe, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mesa, AZ | Tempe, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,282 | $103,214▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.17 | $49.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,313 | $67,704▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,754 | $80,524▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $130,590▲ | $129,612 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,537▲ | $155,766 |
| Total Employed | 98▲ | 43 |
Verdict
Mesa and Tempe are closely matched on overall electrical engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Mesa and Tempe is $932 (0.91%). Tempe's median is -17.45% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mesa spans $93,224,Tempe spans $88,062. Mesa 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, Tempe ($104,786 effective) pays 0.91% more than Mesa ($103,840 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mesa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($158,537)
- ✓Larger job market (98 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tempe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,214/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,786)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Mesa grew -16.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -10.1% growth in Tempe over the same period.
Mesa, AZ
$118,569 (2024) → $98,680 (2025)
Tempe, AZ
$110,786 (2024) → $99,579 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Mesa or Tempe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mesa and Tempe?
Should I relocate from Mesa to Tempe as a electrical engineer?
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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