Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Solon, OH: $65,117 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Solon, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,117 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Solon's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,794 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($95,255) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates looking into the entry-level electrical engineer salary in Solon, Ohio, the starting pay is projected at approximately $65,117 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the city’s median salary of $95,255, presenting a substantial gap that reflects the difference in experience and expertise. Over the first few years, entry-level engineers can expect their salaries to gradually improve, potentially reaching around $75,460 by their mid-career mark, before often climbing towards the median as they accumulate experience and professional competencies. Given the anticipated 3.65% annual growth rate in this field, Solon offers a relatively stable environment for new graduates starting their careers in electrical engineering.
About the Solon Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Solon
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 Solon
Entry-level electrical engineers in Solon, OH typically start between $65,117 and $75,460 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $73,123 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $95,255 — 23.82% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Ohio of $58,000 represents just 89.07% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($65,117/year) in Solon. 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 Solon
- 1Research the Solon market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $65,117 to $75,460, 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 Solon, 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 Solon for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Solon'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 Solon is $73,123 ( 112.29%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,117, experienced hygienists can earn up to $138,240.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,720
2025 BLS Actual
$62,824
2026 Current Est.
$65,117
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Solon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,720 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,238 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,178 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,739 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,669 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,824 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,117 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,494 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Solon, OH grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,720 in 2019 to $62,824 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,494. New graduates entering the Solon job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Solon 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 Solon
In terms of employment opportunities, Solon is home to several prominent companies that actively seek entry-level electrical engineers. Major employers include semiconductor giants like Apple, Nvidia, AMD, and Intel, which favor candidates with advanced degrees but still recruit fresh talent through internship programs. Defense contractors, such as Lockheed and Northrop, typically prefer hiring graduates who have completed internships that help build necessary security clearance. For those holding a Bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited program, passing the FE exam provides a pathway to EIT status, and pursuing a PE license can significantly boost long-term salary potential. Candidates should also consider that positions in the semiconductor industry generally command higher starting salaries compared to utility and power systems roles, which tend to offer stability and benefits like pensions. New grads should plan for realistic salary growth during the initial three years, as they gain experience, make industry connections, and potentially pursue further education or credentials that can enhance their marketability and starting electrical engineer salary in Solon.
More salary data for Solon, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electrical engineers in Solon in 2026?
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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 Solon. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Solon 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