Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Wilkes-Barre, PA: $68,230 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Wilkes-Barre, PA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $68,230 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wilkes-Barre's local price level (BEA RPP 97.4 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,051 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($107,202) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates stepping into their careers as electrical engineers in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the starting salary is projected to be around $68,230 in 2026. This figure is relatively modest when compared to the overall city median of $107,202, indicating a potential gap of nearly $39,000 for early-career professionals. However, there's tangible growth potential; as entry-level engineers gain experience, they can anticipate salaries increasing to approximately $81,876 at the 25th percentile and moving toward the median after the first few years. Thus, while Wilkes-Barre may not offer the most competitive entry-level salaries compared to national standards, with the national median being $125,033, the market does reveal opportunities for growth and development for new grads eager to establish themselves.
About the Wilkes-Barre Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wilkes-Barre
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 Wilkes-Barre
Entry-level electrical engineers in Wilkes-Barre, PA typically start between $68,230 and $81,876 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $89,834 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $107,202 — 14.26% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Pennsylvania of $82,000 represents just 120.18% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($68,230/year) in Wilkes-Barre. 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 Wilkes-Barre
- 1Research the Wilkes-Barre market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $68,230 to $81,876, 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 PA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Wilkes-Barre, 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 Wilkes-Barre for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wilkes-Barre'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 Wilkes-Barre is $89,834 ( 131.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $68,230, experienced hygienists can earn up to $158,064.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,192
2025 BLS Actual
$65,827
2026 Current Est.
$68,230
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Wilkes-Barre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,192 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,783 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,625 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,308 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,610 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,939 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,827 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,230 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,720 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Wilkes-Barre, PA grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,192 in 2019 to $65,827 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,720. New graduates entering the Wilkes-Barre job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre
Employers in Wilkes-Barre looking to hire new electrical engineering graduates include local utilities, consulting firms, and defense contractors. Firms such as Lockheed and Northrop often seek candidates with security clearance, which can significantly enhance starting salaries. In contrast, utility companies provide structured training programs for engineering interns, offering a stable environment, albeit with lower initial pay when compared to tech firms. To maximize earning potential, graduates should pursue credentials like the EIT designation after taking the FE exam, as it indicates readiness for professional practice. Additionally, engaging with industry organizations like IEEE can provide networking opportunities and keep engineers updated on emerging trends. Expect realistic salary growth within the first three years to hover around the $81,876 mark for many, especially those who strategically align with high-demand sectors such as semiconductor design, where firms like Apple and Nvidia may also be interested in talent from the Wilkes-Barre area.
More salary data for Wilkes-Barre, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electrical engineers in Wilkes-Barre in 2026?
How fast do electrical engineer salaries grow in Wilkes-Barre?
Is electrical engineering school worth it in Wilkes-Barre?
What do new electrical engineers make right out of school in Wilkes-Barre?
How do I become a electrical engineer in Pennsylvania?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Pennsylvania
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 Wilkes-Barre. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wilkes-Barre 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