Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Altoona, PA: $52.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Altoona, PA runs $52.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,112 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Altoona's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.5, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $58.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,467 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Altoona, Pennsylvania, the electrical engineer hourly pay stands at a median of $52.46, which is notably lower than the national median of $60.11. This discrepancy may influence the choices of individuals considering part-time roles or per-diem work in various settings such as utility substations, semiconductor fabrication clean rooms, or even remote CAD simulation. For part-time engineers working three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into a reliable income, albeit significantly less than what full-time counterparts might earn. The hourly pay range for electrical engineers in Altoona varies widely, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $37.67 and top earners, particularly those with specialized skills or roles in high-demand areas, earning up to $88.14. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data reflects these figures as projections for 2026, indicating both growth and variability in compensation across different employment scenarios.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.67 | $301.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.71 | $341.71 |
| Median (P50) | $52.46 | $419.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.35 | $482.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88.14 | $705.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Altoona
Based on $52.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.46/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Altoona, PA can expect to earn approximately $109,111 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,949. With a cost-of-living index of 89.51 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Altoona.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Altoona
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,098.29 | $9,093 | $109,111 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,258.97 | $5,456 | $65,467 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $839.32 | $3,637 | $43,644 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Altoona) | $52.46 |
| 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 Altoona, PA earn a median of $109,112 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.73% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 0.20% above the Pennsylvania state average of $108,895.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.46/hr = $65,467/year (purchasing power: $73,141).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,111/year (purchasing power: $121,902).
CoL index: 89.507 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Altoona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Altoona grew 1.7% from $49.78/hr (2019) to $50.61/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.37/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 Altoona 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 Altoona
For electrical engineers considering part-time positions in Altoona, working 24 hours a week at the median rate yields an annual income that falls far short of what full-timers bring home. However, the flexibility of per-diem and contract work presents a different picture. Per diem electrical engineer pay in Altoona often exceeds typical hourly rates, with contracts billed from $90 to $170 per hour, depending on specialization and demand. Those with security clearances can command even higher rates, with some defense contractors offering between $150 and $280 per hour. Furthermore, niche roles such as chip design consultants or expert witnesses in legal disputes can see billing rates soar to $200 to $600 per hour, underscoring the lucrative opportunities available. While tech firms and defense contractors in Altoona tend to offer higher pay, positions in utilities might provide a more stable yet lower-paying alternative, often accompanied by benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. Electrical engineers must consider these factors during negotiations to align compensation with their career goals and personal needs.
More salary data for Altoona, PA:
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 Altoona. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 3-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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