Seattle vs Tukwila: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Seattle, WA and Tukwila, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Tukwila, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $145,328▲ | $116,510 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.87▲ | $56.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,712▲ | $80,757 |
| 25th Percentile | $113,321▲ | $90,475 |
| 75th Percentile | $175,625▲ | $143,274 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $209,819▲ | $166,598 |
| Total Employed | 4,930▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tukwila.
The salary gap between Seattle and Tukwila is $28,818 (24.73%). Seattle's median is +16.23% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $108,107,Tukwila spans $85,841. Seattle 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, Seattle ($130,769 effective) pays 20.54% more than Tukwila ($108,482 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($145,328/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($209,819)
- ✓Larger job market (4,930 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $130,769)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Tukwila if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Seattle grew 20.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -14.2% growth in Tukwila over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$116,560 (2019) → $140,210 (2025)
Tukwila, WA
$131,039 (2024) → $112,407 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Tukwila, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Seattle or Tukwila?
What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Tukwila?
Should I relocate from Seattle to Tukwila as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Seattle vs Tukwila?
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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