Salem vs Worcester: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Salem, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $118,964 | $134,455▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $57.19 | $64.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,745 | $82,982▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $95,057 | $109,216▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $145,640 | $168,048▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $181,759▲ | $169,095 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 480▲ |
Verdict
Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Salem and Worcester is $15,491 (13.02%). Worcester's median is +7.54% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $100,014,Worcester spans $86,113. Salem 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, Worcester ($131,146 effective) pays 19.61% more than Salem ($109,644 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($181,759)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,455/year)
- ✓Larger job market (480 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,146)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Salem grew -16.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.7% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Salem, MA
$137,995 (2024) → $114,775 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$99,230 (2020) → $129,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Salem or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Salem to Worcester as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Salem vs Worcester?
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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