Roanoke vs Suffolk: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Roanoke, VA and Suffolk, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Suffolk, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,906▲ | $111,012 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.28▲ | $53.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,411▲ | $74,078 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,766▲ | $87,320 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,793▲ | $138,054 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,445 | $172,069▲ |
| Total Employed | 270▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Suffolk.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Suffolk is $1,894 (1.71%). Roanoke's median is -9.70% 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,Suffolk spans $97,991. Suffolk 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, Roanoke ($120,603 effective) pays 12.12% more than Suffolk ($107,570 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,906/year)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,603)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Suffolk if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,069)
- ✓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 -17.5% growth in Suffolk over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$94,590 (2019) → $108,930 (2025)
Suffolk, VA
$129,881 (2024) → $107,103 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Suffolk, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Roanoke or Suffolk?
What is the hourly rate difference between Roanoke and Suffolk?
Should I relocate from Roanoke to Suffolk 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