Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Portsmouth, NH: $86,334 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Portsmouth, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $86,334 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Portsmouth's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $80,460 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($128,729) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates beginning their careers in electrical engineering, the starting electrical engineer salary in Portsmouth, NH, is anticipated to be around $86,334 in 2026. This figure, while competitive, falls noticeably short of the median annual salary for the city, which stands at $128,729. However, the early career growth potential is significant; as entry-level engineers build their skills and experience, they can expect to see their salaries climb toward the P25 level of $100,869 within a few years. Portsmouth presents a favorable market for new grads, allowing them to capitalize on the city’s evolving tech landscape and robust demand for engineering talent, especially in sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing and defense.
About the Portsmouth Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Portsmouth
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 Portsmouth
Entry-level electrical engineers in Portsmouth, NH typically start between $86,334 and $100,869 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $94,309 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $128,729 — 2.96% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in New Hampshire of $72,000 represents just 83.40% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($86,334/year) in Portsmouth. 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 Portsmouth
- 1Research the Portsmouth market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $86,334 to $100,869, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Portsmouth, 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 Portsmouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Portsmouth'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 Portsmouth is $94,309 ( 109.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $86,334, experienced hygienists can earn up to $180,643.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$67,650
2025 BLS Actual
$83,294
2026 Current Est.
$86,334
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,650 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,270 | Actual |
| 2021 | $72,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,290 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,310 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,518 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,294 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,334 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,485 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Portsmouth, NH grew 23.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $67,650 in 2019 to $83,294 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $89,485. New graduates entering the Portsmouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth
When considering employment opportunities, several key employers in the Portsmouth area actively recruit entry-level electrical engineers. Notable firms like Apple, Nvidia, and Intel in the semiconductor sector provide structured training programs, though they tend to favor candidates with advanced degrees. In contrast, defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman often seek recent graduates with security clearances, which can command premium salaries. New graduates who hold a Bachelor's in electrical engineering from an ABET-accredited program and obtain their EIT certification through the FE exam are positioned favorably in this competitive market. Aligning career strategies with industry needs—such as pursuing further credentials or considering roles in power systems with local utilities—can enhance initial salary prospects and ensure robust career progression over the first few years in the field.
More salary data for Portsmouth, NH:
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 Portsmouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Portsmouth 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