Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Garland, TX: $67,482 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Garland, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,482 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Garland's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,294 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($115,683) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the electrical engineering field in Garland, Texas, can expect starting salaries to be around $67,482. This figure represents the entry-level threshold, while the median salary for all electrical engineers in Garland is projected at $115,683, highlighting a substantial gap. However, there is room for growth; within the first few years, many engineers can anticipate salaries rising to $84,163 at the 25th percentile and potentially reaching the median as they gain experience. Garland is currently a favorable market for new graduates, particularly with its proximity to several engineering firms and a cost of living index that stands below the national average—making it an attractive option for those starting their careers.
About the Garland Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Garland
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 Garland
Entry-level electrical engineers in Garland, TX typically start between $67,482 and $84,163 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $111,826 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $115,683 — 7.48% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Texas of $58,000 represents just 85.95% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($67,482/year) in Garland. 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 Garland
- 1Research the Garland market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $67,482 to $84,163, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Garland, 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 Garland for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Garland'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 Garland is $111,826 ( 165.71%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,482, experienced hygienists can earn up to $179,308.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,599
2025 BLS Actual
$65,106
2026 Current Est.
$67,482
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Garland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,599 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,172 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,037 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,691 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,957 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,330 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,106 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,482 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,945 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Garland, TX grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,599 in 2019 to $65,106 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,945. New graduates entering the Garland job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Garland 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 Garland
Employers in Garland hire entry-level electrical engineers from various sectors, including semiconductor companies like Apple, Nvidia, AMD, and Intel, which boast robust training programs and competitive stock options for graduates. Defense contractors such as Lockheed and Northrop often seek out interns transitioning to full-time roles, particularly those with security clearances. Additionally, utility companies maintain steady recruitment of EITs for power systems training, while consulting firms generally prefer experienced engineers. Those holding a Bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited program, having passed the FE exam, and with an eye on pursuing a PE license are likely to see their starting pay improve significantly over time. New engineers focusing on chip design within the lucrative semiconductor industry may command the highest compensation, while those aiming for utility roles might experience slower salary growth. Nevertheless, participating in professional organizations like IEEE and pursuing advanced degrees will enhance career prospects and earning potential in the long run.
More salary data for Garland, TX:
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 Garland. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Garland 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