Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Stephenville, TX: $74,096 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Stephenville, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,096 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Stephenville's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,183 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($104,059) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting as an electrical engineer in Stephenville, TX, in 2026 brings exciting opportunities for new graduates, with starting salaries beginning at around $74,096. As new professionals enter the field, they can expect to see incremental growth over the first few years, moving from entry-level positions to achieving the 25th percentile pay of $84,588, before reaching the median salary of $104,059. While this initial pay aligns lower than the national median of $125,033 by approximately 16.77%, the local market offers a solid entry point for those with an ABET-accredited degree. Given the city's median salary, it's clear that there is room for new grads to grow, backed by a projected 3.65% annual growth rate that reflects increasing demand for electrical engineers.
About the Stephenville Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Stephenville
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 Stephenville
Entry-level electrical engineers in Stephenville, TX typically start between $74,096 and $84,588 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $70,661 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $104,059 — 16.77% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Texas of $58,000 represents just 78.28% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($74,096/year) in Stephenville. 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 Stephenville
- 1Research the Stephenville market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $74,096 to $84,588, 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 Stephenville, 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 Stephenville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Stephenville'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 Stephenville is $70,661 ( 95.36%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,096, experienced hygienists can earn up to $144,757.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,852
2025 BLS Actual
$71,487
2026 Current Est.
$74,096
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Stephenville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,852 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,580 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,236 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,149 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,735 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,079 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,487 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,096 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,801 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Stephenville, TX grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,852 in 2019 to $71,487 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,801. New graduates entering the Stephenville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stephenville 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 Stephenville
Employers in Stephenville hire new graduates for various roles, including semiconductor companies like Apple and Nvidia, which typically recruit candidates from highly regarded programs, though these firms often favor advanced degrees. Defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman are another significant source of employment, looking for candidates with security clearances that can elevate starting electrical engineer pay in Stephenville. Additionally, local utilities and consulting firms seek entry-level electrical engineers, emphasizing the importance of obtaining EIT credentials through the FE exam and possibly pursuing PE licensure for future growth. Entering the semiconductor industry can lead to higher pay tiers, while utility positions offer stability and pensions but may lag in immediate cash compensation. Ultimately, ambitious new engineers should prioritize gaining relevant experience and perhaps seek further education to maximize their salary growth potential in the early stages of their careers.
More salary data for Stephenville, 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 Stephenville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Stephenville 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