Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Pierre, SD: $69,282 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Pierre, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $69,282 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pierre's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,657 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($109,013) 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 Pierre, South Dakota, the entry-level electrical engineer salary is projected to start around $69,282 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the overall median annual salary for electrical engineers in Pierre, which stands at $109,013. As new engineers progress in their careers, they can realistically expect to see their salaries increase over the first few years, reaching around $89,294 as they gain more experience and skills. Given the city's relatively low cost of living index of 92.8, now is a favorable time for new grads to seek opportunities in the local job market, especially if they are willing to invest in gaining necessary credentials like the Engineer in Training (EIT) certification soon after graduation.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pierre
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 Pierre
Entry-level electrical engineers in Pierre, SD typically start between $69,282 and $89,294 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $89,908 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $109,013 — 12.81% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in South Dakota of $45,000 represents just 64.95% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($69,282/year) in Pierre. 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 Pierre
- 1Research the Pierre market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $69,282 to $89,294, 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 SD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Pierre, 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 Pierre for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pierre'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 Pierre is $89,908 ( 129.77%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $69,282, experienced hygienists can earn up to $159,190.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,028
2025 BLS Actual
$66,842
2026 Current Est.
$69,282
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,028 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,643 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,452 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,176 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,529 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,763 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,842 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,282 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,811 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Pierre, SD grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,028 in 2019 to $66,842 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $71,811. New graduates entering the Pierre job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre 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 Pierre
In terms of employment options, companies in Pierre tend to hire entry-level positions primarily in the utility sector, where recent graduates often fill roles that emphasize power systems and infrastructure. However, those with ambitions in higher-paying segments should consider pursuing opportunities within semiconductor companies like Apple, Nvidia, and AMD, which generally offer more competitive salaries and structured entry programs. Securing a position at defense contractors such as Lockheed or Northrop also presents lucrative prospects, especially for candidates with security clearances. Enhancing one’s profile through certifications, such as passing the FE exam and pursuing a Professional Engineer (PE) license, can lead to a boost in starting pay in South Dakota. Over the first three years, ambitious electrical engineers can expect a steady upward trajectory in salaries as they gain relevant experience and credentials, catering to the evolving industry demands, particularly in chip design and related areas.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
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 Pierre. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pierre 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