Electrical Engineer Salary

Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Pearl City, HI: $88,821 (2026)

Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Pearl City, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $88,821 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pearl City's local price level (BEA RPP 119.319% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,452 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($144,776) within a few years of clinical practice.

$88,821
Starting Salary
$42.70/hr
Starting Hourly
$88,821
Entry Level
$144,776
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Electrical Engineer Entry Level Salary in Pearl City, HI — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Pearl City, HI electrical engineer entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For new graduates in Pearl City, HI, the starting electrical engineer salary is projected to be around $88,821 in 2026. This figure sits significantly below the median annual salary for the region, which is estimated at $144,776, highlighting the early career gap that entry-level engineers can expect. Over the first few years, many will see their salaries rise as they gain experience, moving towards the 25th percentile salary of $113,721 and eventually aiming for the median salary. Given the anticipated growth rate of 3.65% annually and a competitive local market, Pearl City presents a promising environment for new graduates eager to establish their careers in electrical engineering, especially considering the opportunities for advancement in this field.

About the Pearl City Market

Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Pearl City

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$88,821/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$113,721/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$144,776/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$183,810/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pearl City

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for electrical engineers in Pearl City. The median salary is $144,776, compared to the national median of $125,033.$79.9K$117.3K$154.7K$192.0K$229.4K$88.8K10th Pctl$113.7K25th Pctl$144.8KMedian$183.8K75th Pctl$218.5K90th PctlUS Median$125.0K

Entry-level electrical engineers in Pearl City, HI typically start between $88,821 and $113,721 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $129,656 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $144,77615.79% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of electrical engineer pay in the Pearl City metro area.

Return on Investment

$68,000
Avg HI Program Cost
$88,821
Starting Salary
76.56%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average electrical engineering program cost in Hawaii of $68,000 represents just 76.56% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($88,821/year) in Pearl City. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.

Program cost estimates cover ABET-accredited undergraduate electrical engineering programs at public and private universities. Many electrical engineers pursue master's degrees or specialization in power, controls, or electronics.

EE Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Pearl City

  • 1Research the Pearl City market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $88,821 to $113,721, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
  • 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the electrical engineering field — employers in HI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Pearl City, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
  • 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Pearl City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Factor in Pearl City's above-average cost of living (index: 119.3) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.

Electrical Engineer Compensation Range

The electrical engineer wage spread in Pearl City is $129,656 ( 145.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $88,821, experienced hygienists can earn up to $218,477.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$70,547

2025 BLS Actual

$85,693

2026 Current Est.

$88,821

2019–2027 Growth

+30.5%

Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Pearl City (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for electrical engineers in Pearl City. Baseline $70,547 in 2025, projected to $92,063 by 2027.$65.4K$73.1K$80.9K$88.7K$96.5K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$70.5K$72.6K$69.8K$73.3K$77.6K$83.9K$85.7K$88.8K$92.1K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$70,547Actual
2020$72,618Actual
2021$69,808Actual
2022$73,301Actual
2023$77,599Actual
2024$83,927Actual
2025$85,693Actual
2026(current)$88,821Estimated
2027$92,063Projected

Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Pearl City, HI grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $70,547 in 2019 to $85,693 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $92,063. New graduates entering the Pearl City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pearl City metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.65% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.

Starting Your electrical engineering Career in Pearl City

Employers in Pearl City that hire entry-level electrical engineers often include major players in the semiconductor industry, like Apple, Nvidia, AMD, and Intel, which typically seek candidates with a Bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited program. Many of these companies offer robust training programs that help new hires transition smoothly into their roles. Defense contractors like Lockheed and Northrop also recruit entry-level engineers, often looking for candidates who have completed internships and have security clearances. While initial salaries in utility and power systems roles may lag behind tech positions, they often provide more stable long-term benefits. To enhance earning potential, pursuing the FE exam and gaining EIT status during college can set up new grads for accelerated career advancement, ensuring that they are prepared for higher-paying roles, particularly in chip design and defense industries where security clearance can yield a further pay premium. With a focus on continued education and networking through organizations like IEEE, professionals can navigate their first years effectively, with realistic expectations for salary growth influenced by the specific sectors of employment in Pearl City.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for electrical engineers in Pearl City in 2026?

Entry-level electrical engineers in Pearl City start at approximately $88,821/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.65% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $42.70/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do electrical engineer salaries grow in Pearl City?

Most electrical engineers in Pearl City progress from the entry-level salary of $88,821 to the area median of $144,776 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $218,477 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is electrical engineering school worth it in Pearl City?

With a starting salary of $88,821/year in Pearl City and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new electrical engineers recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new electrical engineers make right out of school in Pearl City?

New electrical engineering graduates in Pearl City typically start near the 10th percentile at $88,821/year, or approximately $42.70/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a electrical engineer in Hawaii?

To become a licensed electrical engineer in Hawaii, you typically need bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from an abet-accredited program (4 years). master's degree (msee) or phd common for research, specialty, or leadership roles. professional engineer (pe) license required for engineers who sign off on public projects — requires fe exam, 4 years experience, then pe exam., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Hawaii, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some electrical engineers pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Hawaii

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Martinez, BSEEData verified by Nia Thompson, MEng

Methodology & Data Source

Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new electrical engineering graduates. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Pearl City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Pearl City is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.65%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electrical engineers (SOC 17-2071).

Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov

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