Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Central, LA: $59.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Central, LA runs $59.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,583 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Central's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,754 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Central, Louisiana, the electrical engineer hourly pay is projected to hit $59.90 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $60.11. For part-time workers, this rate translates well; an engineer working three days a week could expect a substantial income, reinforcing the appeal of flexible schedules often found in settings like semiconductor fab clean rooms or hybrid remote engineering roles. The hourly range varies significantly, from $40.67 for entry-level positions to a remarkable $89.20 for the top earners in the field. This range reflects the diverse environments in which electrical engineers operate, whether in low-key utility substations or high-tech hardware labs brimming with advanced equipment.
About the Central Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.67 | $325.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.63 | $381.02 |
| Median (P50) | $59.90 | $479.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.32 | $602.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.20 | $713.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Central
Based on $59.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.90/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Central, LA can expect to earn approximately $124,591 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,879. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Central.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Central
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,395.97 | $10,383 | $124,591 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,437.58 | $6,230 | $74,754 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $958.39 | $4,153 | $49,836 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Central) | $59.90 |
| 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 Central, LA earn a median of $124,583 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.36% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 3.90% below the Louisiana state average of $129,639.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.90/hr = $74,754/year (purchasing power: $82,784).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,591/year (purchasing power: $137,974).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Central (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Central grew 22.4% from $47.20/hr (2019) to $57.79/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.09/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 Central 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 Central
Examining the earning potential for electrical engineers reveals interesting dimensions, particularly for those considering part-time or contract work. For example, someone working 24 hours a week at the median rate could take home around $46,000 annually, significantly less than their full-time peers. The allure of per diem contracts is substantial in Central, as these roles can command rates ranging between $90 and $170 an hour. Those with security clearances may see even higher figures, with rates sometimes exceeding $150 an hour. The variation in pay also stems from employer types; tech titans like Nvidia or Intel offer premiums unavailable at traditional power companies. While some engineers opt for higher hourly pay without benefits, others prefer the stability and healthcare coverage that comes with full-time positions. Ultimately, understanding these dynamics can aid electrical engineers in negotiating better terms in Central's evolving job market.
More salary data for Central, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for electrical engineers in Central 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
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 Central. 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 Central 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