Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Chelmsford, MA: $56.43 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Chelmsford, MA runs $56.43 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $117,364 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Chelmsford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $70,421 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelmsford, Massachusetts, the electrical engineer hourly pay is projected to be $56.43 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $60.11. This pay structure allows for flexible work arrangements, such as part-time roles, where engineers could receive this hourly rate while working three days a week, gaining exposure in various settings like tech company labs, semiconductor clean rooms, and remote simulation work. The hourly earnings in Chelmsford range significantly from $37.35 for entry-level positions to $84.89 for top earners, reflecting the city's competitive job market and the increasing demand for qualified electrical engineers. As these figures are based on estimates derived from annual salary data, they offer valuable insight into the financial viability of careers within this profession throughout the area.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.35 | $298.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.15 | $353.24 |
| Median (P50) | $56.43 | $451.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.48 | $571.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.89 | $679.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chelmsford
Based on $56.43/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.43/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chelmsford, MA can expect to earn approximately $117,368 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,712. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chelmsford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chelmsford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,257.08 | $9,781 | $117,368 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,354.25 | $5,868 | $70,421 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $902.83 | $3,912 | $46,947 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Chelmsford) | $56.43 |
| 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 Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $117,364 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.13% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $123,411.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.43/hr = $70,421/year (purchasing power: $64,904).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $117,368/year (purchasing power: $108,174).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.43/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.43/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Chelmsford grew 22.4% from $44.47/hr (2019) to $54.44/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.49/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 Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford
Part-time electrical engineers in Chelmsford working 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $44,154 annually, quite a contrast to their full-time counterparts. The increasing popularity of per-diem contracts is reshaping compensation expectations. Per diem electrical engineers commonly earn between $90 and $170 per hour, while security-cleared positions with defense contractors can command $150 to $280 per hour, enhancing the pay rate significantly compared to standard hourly roles. Within the regional market, salaries vary widely depending on the type of employer—those working in semiconductor design may see a premium for specialized knowledge, whereas utility roles, although typically offering lower hourly rates, provide long-term benefits like pensions. Engineers must balance immediate pay against the value of benefits when considering hourly work options. Negotiation strategies focused on experience and sector-specific demands can empower electrical engineers in Chelmsford to achieve optimal compensation.
More salary data for Chelmsford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for electrical engineers in Chelmsford in 2026?
How much do part-time electrical engineers make in Chelmsford?
Are electrical engineers in Chelmsford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time electrical engineer make per year in Chelmsford?
Do electrical engineers earn more per hour working part-time in Chelmsford?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Chelmsford. 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 Chelmsford 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