Roanoke vs Staunton: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Roanoke, VA and Staunton, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Staunton, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,906 | $118,451▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.28 | $56.95▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,411 | $87,553▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $90,766 | $104,210▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $139,793▲ | $135,253 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,445▲ | $139,078 |
| Total Employed | 270▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Roanoke and Staunton are closely matched on overall electrical engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Staunton is $5,545 (4.91%). Staunton's median is -5.26% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roanoke spans $81,034,Staunton spans $51,525. Roanoke 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, Staunton ($129,983 effective) pays 7.78% more than Roanoke ($120,603 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,445)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Staunton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($118,451/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $129,983)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Roanoke grew 15.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.4% growth in Staunton over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$94,590 (2019) → $108,930 (2025)
Staunton, VA
$89,700 (2019) → $114,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Staunton, 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