Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Oxford, OH: $62,765 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Oxford, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,765 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Oxford's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,201 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($97,796) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates entering the field of electrical engineering in Oxford, Ohio, the entry-level electrical engineer salary is projected to begin at around $62,765 in 2026. This represents a notable gap compared to the city median annual salary of $97,796, suggesting that recent graduates may initially earn significantly less than established professionals. However, there is a clear pathway for upward mobility. As early-career engineers gain experience, their salaries can rise progressively from the 25th percentile of $80,629 and can easily reach or exceed the median within three to five years, especially in a market that anticipates a growth rate of 3.65% annually. Given these numbers, Oxford presents a reasonable environment for new grads to establish their careers, although their starting salaries will require patience and professional development.
About the Oxford Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Oxford
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 Oxford
Entry-level electrical engineers in Oxford, OH typically start between $62,765 and $80,629 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $80,604 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $97,796 — 21.78% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Ohio of $58,000 represents just 92.41% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($62,765/year) in Oxford. 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 Oxford
- 1Research the Oxford market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $62,765 to $80,629, 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 OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Oxford, 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 Oxford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Oxford'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 Oxford is $80,604 ( 128.42%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,765, experienced hygienists can earn up to $143,369.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,852
2025 BLS Actual
$60,555
2026 Current Est.
$62,765
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Oxford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,852 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,316 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,330 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,798 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,836 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,531 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,555 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,765 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,056 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Oxford, OH grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,852 in 2019 to $60,555 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $65,056. New graduates entering the Oxford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oxford 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 Oxford
When considering entry-level opportunities in Oxford, major employers like semiconductor companies and defense contractors actively recruit recent graduates. Firms such as Apple, Nvidia, and Intel are known for their competitive salaries, especially in chip design roles, attracting candidates with ABET-accredited electrical engineering degrees and endorsement by IEEE. Additionally, defense contractors often look for candidates who already possess security clearance, which typically comes after significant internship experience. For those starting in the utility sector, while salaries might lag behind tech companies, the promise of pension benefits and job stability can be attractive. Pursuing further education, such as a Master's or PhD for specialized roles or obtaining a PE license, can also bolster earning potential. In the initial years, graduates can expect to see salary growth as they navigate the transition from learner to professional, with realistic expectations to eventually aim for compensation levels closer to the national median in their career trajectory.
More salary data for Oxford, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electrical engineers in Oxford in 2026?
How fast do electrical engineer salaries grow in Oxford?
Is electrical engineering school worth it in Oxford?
What do new electrical engineers make right out of school in Oxford?
How do I become a electrical engineer in Ohio?
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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 Oxford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Oxford 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