Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Salem, MA: $81,745 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Salem, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,745 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Salem's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,341 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($118,964) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the electrical engineering field in Salem, Massachusetts, can expect an entry-level salary around $81,745 in 2026. While this starting pay is below the median annual salary of $118,964 for electrical engineers in the area, it positions new grads within a framework of financial growth opportunities. Over the first few years in the profession, those starting at this entry-level mark can realistically aim for salaries in the $95,057 range by their mid-career point, progressing towards the median as they gain experience. The local job market is relatively favorable for newcomers, particularly given the projected annual growth rate of 3.65%, indicating a healthy demand for engineering skills in Salem.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Salem
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 Salem
Entry-level electrical engineers in Salem, MA typically start between $81,745 and $95,057 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $100,014 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $118,964 — 4.85% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Massachusetts of $108,000 represents just 132.12% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($81,745/year) in Salem. 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 Salem
- 1Research the Salem market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $81,745 to $95,057, 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 Salem, 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 Salem for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Salem'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 Salem is $100,014 ( 122.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,745, experienced hygienists can earn up to $181,759.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,927
2025 BLS Actual
$78,866
2026 Current Est.
$81,745
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,927 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,833 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,247 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,461 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,417 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,466 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,866 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,745 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,728 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Salem, MA grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,927 in 2019 to $78,866 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,728. New graduates entering the Salem job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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 Salem
In Salem, several prominent employers actively seek to recruit entry-level electrical engineers, providing solid opportunities for new graduates. Major companies in the semiconductor sector, such as Apple, Nvidia, AMD, and Intel, have structured recruiting processes that welcome fresh talent into high-paying chip design roles, where starting electrical engineer salaries can significantly surpass baseline expectations. Similarly, defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman often look for candidates with security clearances, which adds a premium to entry-level salaries in those positions. Of course, those pursuing opportunities in utilities or power systems may find the pay lower than in tech but enjoy benefits like stability and pensions. To enhance starting salaries, candidates should focus on obtaining their Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification during their studies, which can lead to higher wages post-hire. Realistically, within the first two to three years of working in Salem, electrical engineers may see salary growth that reflects their new skills and experiences, potentially reaching salaries that align more closely with regional or national standards.
More salary data for Salem, 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 Salem. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Salem 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