Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Texarkana, TX: $75,426 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Texarkana, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,426 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Texarkana's local price level (BEA RPP 84.0 — 16% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $89,780 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($107,153) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the workforce, the entry level electrical engineer salary in Texarkana, TX, is projected at $75,426 for 2026. This initial pay may seem modest compared to the city’s median salary of $107,153, but it represents the starting point for many aspiring engineers. Over the first few years in their careers, graduates can expect to see wage growth to around $94,902, potentially reaching the median salary as they gain experience and refine their skills. Given that Texarkana has a relatively low cost of living index compared to the national average, it can be an attractive market for fresh graduates aiming to launch their careers in electrical engineering.
Career Earnings Timeline in Texarkana
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 Texarkana
Entry-level electrical engineers in Texarkana, TX typically start between $75,426 and $94,902 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $104,770 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $107,153 — 14.3% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Texas of $58,000 represents just 76.90% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($75,426/year) in Texarkana. 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 Texarkana
- 1Research the Texarkana market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $75,426 to $94,902, 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 Texarkana, 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 Texarkana for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Texarkana'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 Texarkana is $104,770 ( 138.90%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,426, experienced hygienists can earn up to $180,196.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,908
2025 BLS Actual
$72,770
2026 Current Est.
$75,426
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Texarkana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,908 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,667 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,281 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,020 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,897 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,857 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,770 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,426 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,179 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Texarkana, TX grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,908 in 2019 to $72,770 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,179. New graduates entering the Texarkana job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Texarkana 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 Texarkana
Employers in Texarkana that typically hire new grad electrical engineers include local semiconductor companies, defense contractors, and utility firms. Large tech firms, such as Apple and Nvidia, often seek candidates from ABET-accredited electrical engineering programs, though they may assign preference for advanced degrees. Likewise, established defense contractors like Lockheed and Northrop often recruit through structured internship pipelines, focusing on candidates with security clearances. Employers value credentials that can boost starting pay, such as passing the FE exam to achieve EIT status and obtaining a PE license over time. Early-career professionals may experience a range of salary growth depending on their specialization; those working in semiconductor roles can command higher salaries while utility positions offer long-term stability and benefits. Strategically, new engineers should focus on certifications and practical experience to enhance their value in the job market.
More salary data for Texarkana, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electrical engineers in Texarkana 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 Texarkana. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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