New Castle vs Pittsburgh: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between New Castle, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Castle, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,223 | $108,822▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.10 | $52.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,487 | $80,971▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,382 | $88,662▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $126,283 | $136,362▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,988 | $163,145▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 1,630▲ |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to New Castle.
The salary gap between New Castle and Pittsburgh is $4,599 (4.41%). Pittsburgh's median is -12.97% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Castle spans $76,501,Pittsburgh spans $82,174. Pittsburgh 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, Pittsburgh ($114,948 effective) pays 7.42% more than New Castle ($107,005 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Castle if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,822/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($163,145)
- ✓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 New Castle grew -3.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.3% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
New Castle, PA
$104,368 (2024) → $100,553 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$96,910 (2019) → $104,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Castle, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: New Castle or Pittsburgh?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Castle and Pittsburgh?
Should I relocate from New Castle to Pittsburgh as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in New Castle 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