Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Washington, UT: $73,777 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Washington, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $73,777 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Washington's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,206 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($119,154) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the electrical engineering field in Washington, UT, the starting electrical engineer salary is projected at $73,777 in 2026. While this number may seem modest compared to the local median salary of $119,154, it’s essential to understand this reflects the early stage of a professional journey. The growth trajectory for entry-level engineers in the region is promising, with increasing earnings potential as experience builds—from $73,777 to about $96,371 after just a few years. Given Washington's overall positive job market for engineers, with a projected growth rate of 3.65%, recent graduates can find solid opportunities to build their careers and gradually close the initial salary gap.
About the Washington Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Washington
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 Washington
Entry-level electrical engineers in Washington, UT typically start between $73,777 and $96,371 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $106,237 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $119,154 — 4.7% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Utah of $52,000 represents just 70.48% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($73,777/year) in Washington. 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 Washington
- 1Research the Washington market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $73,777 to $96,371, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Washington, 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 Washington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Washington'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 Washington is $106,237 ( 144.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $73,777, experienced hygienists can earn up to $180,014.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,598
2025 BLS Actual
$71,179
2026 Current Est.
$73,777
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Washington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,598 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,319 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,985 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,886 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,456 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,191 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,179 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,777 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,470 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Washington, UT grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $58,598 in 2019 to $71,179 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,470. New graduates entering the Washington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Washington 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 Washington
A variety of employers are actively hiring new electrical engineers in Washington, from tech giants in the semiconductor sector like Nvidia and Intel, which often provide structured ramp-up programs for recent graduates, to aerospace and defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman that look for cleared candidates. These roles can offer higher starting pay due to the security clearance premium. Moreover, enrolling in an ABET-accredited program, passing the FE exam, and working toward the PE license can significantly enhance a new grad's prospects and salary potential. In the semiconductor industry, which consistently commands top-tier compensation, early-career engineers can anticipate upward salary movement over their first three years—potentially advancing past the initial benchmarks as they gain experience and credentials. Meanwhile, positions in utilities, while more stable, may not yield the same lucrative pay as the tech sector. Overall, strategic career moves and continued education through resources like IEEE can provide significant advantages in salary and professional advancement in Washington, UT.
More salary data for Washington, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electrical engineers in Washington in 2026?
How fast do electrical engineer salaries grow in Washington?
Is electrical engineering school worth it in Washington?
What do new electrical engineers make right out of school in Washington?
How do I become a electrical engineer in Utah?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Utah
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 Washington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Washington 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