Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Bristol, RI: $57.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Bristol, RI runs $57.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $118,955 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,378 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Rhode Island, the projected electrical engineer hourly pay for 2026 is $57.19. This rate is somewhat lower than the national median hourly earnings of $60.11, indicating that professionals in this field may face a slightly reduced income compared to their peers across the country. For those opting for part-time work, such as spending three days per week in the field, this hourly rate translates into take-home pay that can create a desirable work-life balance. Entry-level positions in Bristol start at about $37.09 per hour, while experienced engineers can earn as much as $84.19 hourly, reflecting the various complexities and responsibilities associated with different roles in tech labs, clean rooms, and field engineering sites.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.09 | $296.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.84 | $350.75 |
| Median (P50) | $57.19 | $457.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.67 | $549.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.19 | $673.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $57.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.19/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, RI can expect to earn approximately $118,964 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,633. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,287.76 | $9,914 | $118,964 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,372.66 | $5,948 | $71,378 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $915.11 | $3,965 | $47,585 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Bristol) | $57.19 |
| 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 Bristol, RI earn a median of $118,955 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.86% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 5.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $125,612.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.19/hr = $71,378/year (purchasing power: $71,023).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $118,964/year (purchasing power: $118,372).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Bristol grew 22.4% from $45.07/hr (2019) to $55.18/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $59.28/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 Bristol 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 Bristol
When considering the potential earnings for an electrical engineer, many may explore part-time opportunities or even per diem roles, which offer varied financial possibilities. For instance, working 24 hours a week at the median rate results in an annual income that is much lower than that of full-time workers, potentially limiting benefits such as health insurance. Per diem electrical engineer pay in Bristol can vary significantly, with rates typically ranging from $90 to $170 per hour for general contract work, and more specialized roles in chip design or cleared defense contracting fetching between $150 and $400 hourly. Securing employment with major tech companies or defense contractors can lead to higher earnings, but many engineers accept lower-paying positions in exchange for stability and benefits. Negotiating hourly wages, especially in a city like Bristol where local demand may fluctuate, requires a strategic approach based on the complexities of the role and the specific industry segment involved.
More salary data for Bristol, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for electrical engineers in Bristol in 2026?
How much do part-time electrical engineers make in Bristol?
Are electrical engineers in Bristol paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time electrical engineer make per year in Bristol?
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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 Bristol. 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 Bristol 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