Philadelphia vs Pittsburgh: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,392▲ | $108,822 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.65▲ | $52.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,350▲ | $80,971 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,432▲ | $88,662 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,546▲ | $136,362 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $186,974▲ | $163,145 |
| Total Employed | 3,520▲ | 1,630 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburgh.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh is $23,570 (21.66%). Philadelphia's median is +5.89% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $102,624,Pittsburgh spans $82,174. Philadelphia 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, Philadelphia ($129,095 effective) pays 12.31% more than Pittsburgh ($114,948 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,392/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($186,974)
- ✓Larger job market (3,520 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $129,095)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Philadelphia grew 25.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.3% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$101,930 (2019) → $127,730 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$96,910 (2019) → $104,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Philadelphia or Pittsburgh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Philadelphia 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