Pittsburgh vs State College: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Pittsburgh, PA and State College, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | State College, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,822▲ | $101,007 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.32▲ | $48.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,971▲ | $68,917 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,662▲ | $84,755 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,362▲ | $126,329 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,145 | $164,099▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,630▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to State College.
The salary gap between Pittsburgh and State College is $7,815 (7.74%). 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 Pittsburgh spans $82,174,State College spans $95,182. State College 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 10.12% more than State College ($104,387 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,822/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,630 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,948)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose State College if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,099)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Pittsburgh grew 8.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.4% growth in State College over the same period.
Pittsburgh, PA
$96,910 (2019) → $104,990 (2025)
State College, PA
$83,720 (2019) → $97,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsburgh, PA
State College, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Pittsburgh or State College?
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Should I relocate from Pittsburgh to State College 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