Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Malden, MA: $76,738 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Malden, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,738 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Malden's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,726 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($123,862) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Starting a career as an electrical engineer in Malden, Massachusetts, offers new graduates a realistic entry-level annual salary around $76,738, which is notably below the city's median of $123,862. For recent graduates, this gap can feel significant; however, the expected salary trajectory shows potential for growth. Within the first few years, early-career professionals can anticipate a salary increase as they gain experience and perhaps move up to the $92,993 mark. The city, along with its close proximity to technology hubs, provides a favorable environment for aspiring engineers, making it a good market for new talent in 2026.
About the Malden Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Malden
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 Malden
Entry-level electrical engineers in Malden, MA typically start between $76,738 and $92,993 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $111,241 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $123,862 — 0.94% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Massachusetts of $108,000 represents just 140.74% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($76,738/year) in Malden. 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 Malden
- 1Research the Malden market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $76,738 to $92,993, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Malden, 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 Malden for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Malden's moderate 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 Malden is $111,241 ( 144.96%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,738, experienced hygienists can earn up to $187,979.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,950
2025 BLS Actual
$74,036
2026 Current Est.
$76,738
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Malden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,950 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,740 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,312 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,330 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,043 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,704 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,036 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,738 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,539 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Malden, MA grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,950 in 2019 to $74,036 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,539. New graduates entering the Malden job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Malden 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 Malden
Employers in Malden have various pathways for hiring new graduates in electrical engineering. Major players, including semiconductor companies like Apple and Nvidia, actively seek new talent for roles in chip design, which typically offer higher starting salaries. Defense contractors such as Lockheed and Northrop look for candidates with relevant security clearances, while utilities often recruit EITs for power systems positions, which might lag in pay but promise stability and benefits. To enhance earning potential, holding an ABET-accredited degree and passing the FE exam can set graduates on a stronger career path. In the first three years, ambitious engineers can expect their salaries to climb as they gain technical expertise, engage with industry organizations like IEEE, and explore opportunities for advancement into specialization or management roles.
More salary data for Malden, MA:
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 Malden. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Malden 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