Newport News vs Roanoke: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Newport News, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Newport News, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $113,784▲ | $112,906 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.71▲ | $54.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,809 | $78,411▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $89,246 | $90,766▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $145,644▲ | $139,793 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,365▲ | $159,445 |
| Total Employed | 39 | 270▲ |
Verdict
Newport News, VA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Newport News and Roanoke is $878 (0.78%). Newport News's median is -9.00% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newport News spans $101,556,Roanoke spans $81,034. Newport News 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, Roanoke ($120,603 effective) pays 9.38% more than Newport News ($110,256 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Newport News if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,784/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,365)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,603)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Newport News grew -17.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.2% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Newport News, VA
$133,123 (2024) → $109,777 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$94,590 (2019) → $108,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Newport News, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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