Olympia vs Spokane: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Olympia, WA and Spokane, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olympia, WA | Spokane, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $124,453 | $126,557▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $59.83 | $60.84▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,284 | $82,868▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,097 | $98,913▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $158,616▲ | $146,333 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $193,908▲ | $166,286 |
| Total Employed | 80 | 320▲ |
Verdict
Spokane, WA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.
The salary gap between Olympia and Spokane is $2,104 (1.69%). Spokane's median is +1.22% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Olympia spans $129,624,Spokane spans $83,418. Olympia 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, Spokane ($126,121 effective) pays 5.06% more than Olympia ($120,047 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($193,908)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Spokane if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($126,557/year)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,121)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Olympia grew 16.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.4% growth in Spokane over the same period.
Olympia, WA
$103,480 (2019) → $120,070 (2025)
Spokane, WA
$98,160 (2019) → $122,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olympia, WA
Spokane, WA
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