Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Lake Stevens, WA: $84,139 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Lake Stevens, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,139 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lake Stevens's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,342 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($121,910) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the electrical engineering field in Lake Stevens, WA, the starting electrical engineer salary is projected to be around $84,139 in 2026. While this figure positions entry-level professionals below the city’s median annual salary of $121,910, it represents a viable entry point into a growing industry. As early-career engineers gain experience and skills, they can expect salary growth that aligns with the broader trajectory in the field; by reaching the 25th percentile, they could earn approximately $97,946 within a few years. With a consistent annual growth rate of 3.65%, Lake Stevens currently offers a promising market for new electrical engineers, making it an attractive option for those starting their careers.
About the Lake Stevens Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lake Stevens
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 Lake Stevens
Entry-level electrical engineers in Lake Stevens, WA typically start between $84,139 and $97,946 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $91,487 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $121,910 — 2.5% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Washington of $68,000 represents just 80.82% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($84,139/year) in Lake Stevens. 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 Lake Stevens
- 1Research the Lake Stevens market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $84,139 to $97,946, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lake Stevens, 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 Lake Stevens for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lake Stevens'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 Lake Stevens is $91,487 ( 108.73%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,139, experienced hygienists can earn up to $175,626.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$66,828
2025 BLS Actual
$81,176
2026 Current Est.
$84,139
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Lake Stevens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,828 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,790 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,128 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,437 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,509 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,246 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,176 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,139 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,210 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Lake Stevens, WA grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $66,828 in 2019 to $81,176 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,210. New graduates entering the Lake Stevens job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Stevens 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 Lake Stevens
Employers in Lake Stevens typically recruit entry-level electrical engineers from local universities and colleges with strong ABET-accredited programs. Companies such as Intel and Nvidia invest in developing young talent in the semiconductor sector, often providing substantial technical training and competitive salaries due to their increasing demand for skilled engineers in chip design. In contrast, defense contractors like Lockheed and Northrop prioritize security-cleared candidates or those with internship experience. New graduates can enhance their marketability by passing the FE exam during their senior year to achieve EIT status, subsequently progressing toward professional licensure. In the early years, engineers should be aware that roles in utilities or power systems may not match the lucrative offerings in tech but can provide stable job security and benefits. This profession's trajectory indicates that early-career salaries will likely rise as engineers build their credentials and navigate their paths within the semiconductor, defense, and utility industries in WA.
More salary data for Lake Stevens, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electrical engineers in Lake Stevens in 2026?
How fast do electrical engineer salaries grow in Lake Stevens?
Is electrical engineering school worth it in Lake Stevens?
What do new electrical engineers make right out of school in Lake Stevens?
How do I become a electrical engineer in Washington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Lake Stevens. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lake Stevens 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