Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Meridian, ID: $57.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Meridian, ID runs $57.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $119,602 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Meridian's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $60.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,766 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Electrical engineers in Meridian, ID, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $57.51 in 2026, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $60.11. This rate reflects the distinct regional market and cost of living, which is currently at 95.3, indicating it is below the national average. For professionals working part-time at three days a week, this hourly rate allows for flexible schedules while still providing a robust earning potential. Entry-level positions may earn around $37.61 per hour, while experienced engineers in specialized fields can command rates as high as $89.13. Typical workplaces include tech facilities focused on hardware design, semiconductor fabrication plants, and hybrid roles involving computer-aided design (CAD) simulations, all of which contribute to the overall dynamics of electrical engineer hourly pay in Meridian.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.61 | $300.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.83 | $358.63 |
| Median (P50) | $57.51 | $460.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.22 | $577.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.13 | $713.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Meridian
Based on $57.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.51/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Meridian, ID can expect to earn approximately $119,610 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,006. With a cost-of-living index of 95.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Meridian.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Meridian
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,300.20 | $9,968 | $119,610 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,380.12 | $5,981 | $71,766 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $920.08 | $3,987 | $47,844 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Meridian) | $57.51 |
| Mechanical Engineer (National Avg) | $48.61 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer (National Avg) | $69.00 |
| Electronics Engineer (National Avg) | $58.25 |
| Electrical Engineering Technician (National Avg) | $35.08 |
Electrical Engineers in Meridian, ID earn a median of $119,602 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.34% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 0.40% above the Idaho state average of $119,125.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.51/hr = $71,766/year (purchasing power: $75,306).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $119,610/year (purchasing power: $125,509).
CoL index: 95.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$45.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Meridian grew 22.4% from $45.32/hr (2019) to $55.48/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.60/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem electrical engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meridian 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.
Working as an Hourly Electrical Engineer in Meridian
While the hourly rate in Meridian presents a solid base, electrical engineers looking to maximize their income through part-time or per-diem arrangements can explore various opportunities. A part-time electrical engineer working 24 hours a week could earn approximately $71,756 annually, which underscores a significant difference compared to full-time commitments. For those considering per-diem roles or contract positions, hourly pay might range from $90 to $170, with highly specialized skill sets for certain tasks potentially increasing rates up to $400 per hour for consulting in chip design. Employment with major defense contractors or tech giants like Intel and Nvidia also tends to offer higher compensation, including benefits, versus more traditional power utility roles that may provide more stability but less hourly pay. Negotiation becomes crucial; engineers should weigh benefits against pay rates when considering job offers. Understanding the local market and demand for specialized skills, particularly security credentials or semiconductor expertise, can strengthen a candidate's negotiating position.
More salary data for Meridian, ID:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for electrical engineers in Meridian. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Meridian 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