Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Lawrence, IN: $67,613 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Lawrence, IN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,613 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrence's local price level (BEA RPP 91.3 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,056 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,934) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Lawrence, Indiana presents a promising landscape for new electrical engineering graduates as they enter the workforce in 2026. The entry-level electrical engineer salary in Lawrence is projected to start at approximately $67,613, which is lower than the overall city median annual salary of $99,934. This initial earning potential reflects the typical journey of early-career professionals as they move from this starting point to higher salaries, such as the P25 at $78,975, before reaching the median in just a few years. For recent graduates, the growth trajectory appears positive, especially considering the projected annual growth rate of 3.65%. Given these figures, Lawrence remains a viable market for new grads looking to kickstart their careers in electrical engineering.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawrence
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
Entry-level electrical engineers in Lawrence, IN typically start between $67,613 and $78,975 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $83,953 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,934 — 20.07% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Indiana of $55,000 represents just 81.35% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($67,613/year) in Lawrence. 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 Lawrence
- 1Research the Lawrence market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $67,613 to $78,975, 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 IN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lawrence, 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 Lawrence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawrence's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Electrical Engineer Compensation Range
The electrical engineer wage spread in Lawrence is $83,953 ( 124.17%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,613, experienced hygienists can earn up to $151,566.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,702
2025 BLS Actual
$65,232
2026 Current Est.
$67,613
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,702 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,279 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,140 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,799 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,071 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,277 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,232 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,613 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,081 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrence, IN grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,702 in 2019 to $65,232 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,081. New graduates entering the Lawrence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 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 Lawrence
Major employers in Lawrence, IN, actively seek out new electrical engineering graduates, with a range of industries hiring entry-level talent. Prominent companies in the semiconductor sector, such as Apple, Nvidia, AMD, and Intel, often recruit graduates for lucrative positions in chip design; these roles can command high salaries due to the industry's competitive nature. Furthermore, defense contractors like Lockheed and Northrop frequently offer opportunities through structured internships, which pave the way for long-term employment. Entry-level candidates armed with credentials such as an ABET-accredited degree and passing the FE exam can expect higher initial pays. Candidates may find roles in utilities and power systems training programs that, while stable and providing pension benefits, generally fall short of the salaries available in tech. For those contemplating their career trajectory, focusing on obtaining a security clearance can unlock premium pay in defense sectors. Overall, new graduates in electrical engineering can anticipate considerable salary growth within the first three years, particularly if they remain aware of industry demands and enhance their qualifications through continuous education and professional development.
More salary data for Lawrence, IN:
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
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 Lawrence. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lawrence is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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