Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Cottage Grove, MN: $58.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Cottage Grove, MN runs $58.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $121,551 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Cottage Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $59.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,930 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Cottage Grove, MN, the hourly compensation for electrical engineers is projected to be $58.44 in 2026, placing it slightly below the national hourly median of $60.11. This hourly rate translates into meaningful earnings for part-time electrical engineers working three days a week (around 24 hours), as well as for per-diem professionals taking on contract roles. Such engineers operate in diverse settings, from tech companies’ hardware labs to advanced semiconductor fabrication clean rooms, and may even find opportunities with defense contractors or in remote CAD environments. The hourly wage range in Cottage Grove varies significantly, starting at approximately $37.73 for entry-level positions and extending to $84.43 for top-tier earners, providing a clear pathway for salary growth as one gains experience and expertise in the field.
About the Cottage Grove Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.73 | $301.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.84 | $358.71 |
| Median (P50) | $58.44 | $467.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.90 | $575.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.43 | $675.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cottage Grove
Based on $58.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.44/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cottage Grove, MN can expect to earn approximately $121,551 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,125. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cottage Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cottage Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,337.51 | $10,129 | $121,551 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,402.51 | $6,078 | $72,930 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $935.01 | $4,052 | $48,620 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Cottage Grove) | $58.44 |
| 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 Cottage Grove, MN earn a median of $121,551 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.78% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 1.30% below the Minnesota state average of $123,152.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.44/hr = $72,930/year (purchasing power: $74,041).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $121,551/year (purchasing power: $123,402).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$46.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Cottage Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Cottage Grove grew 22.4% from $46.05/hr (2019) to $56.38/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.57/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 Cottage Grove 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 Cottage Grove
When examining part-time earnings, an electrical engineer working 24 hours a week would expect to take home around $72,654 annually, a considerable sum, especially when compared to the stability and benefits typically offered in full-time roles. For those exploring per-diem or contract work, the potential for higher rates is notable, with many billing between $90 and $170 per hour, especially for specialized roles such as security-cleared defense contractors who can earn up to $280 per hour. Among the various employers in Cottage Grove, rates fluctuate: tech firms, particularly those in the semiconductor space like Intel and Nvidia, tend to offer the highest compensation, while utility companies may provide lower hourly rates balanced by attractive pension plans. Negotiation plays a critical role in securing favorable terms, particularly for hourly workers weighing benefits against higher pay rates. Understanding the local market and industry expectations can inform these discussions effectively.
More salary data for Cottage Grove, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for electrical engineers in Cottage Grove in 2026?
How much do part-time electrical engineers make in Cottage Grove?
Are electrical engineers in Cottage Grove paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time electrical engineer make per year in Cottage Grove?
Do electrical engineers earn more per hour working part-time in Cottage Grove?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 Cottage Grove. 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 Cottage Grove 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