Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Pawtucket, RI: $60.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Pawtucket, RI runs $60.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $125,521 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Pawtucket's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $60.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,311 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the electrical engineer hourly pay is notably competitive, with a median rate of $60.35, slightly surpassing the national median of $60.11. This rate offers significant opportunities for part-time professionals, especially those working three days a week, in various settings such as semiconductor fabrication clean rooms, hardware labs equipped with oscilloscopes and soldering benches, defense contractor environments, and utility substation fieldwork. For new professionals entering the field, entry-level positions can start around $36.97 per hour, while top earners in Pawtucket can command up to $93.53 per hour. While these hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, they reflect the varied demands and expertise present across the local engineering landscape.
About the Pawtucket 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) | $36.97 | $295.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.99 | $359.96 |
| Median (P50) | $60.35 | $482.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.10 | $608.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.53 | $748.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pawtucket
Based on $60.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.35/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pawtucket, RI can expect to earn approximately $125,518 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,414. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pawtucket.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pawtucket
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,413.80 | $10,460 | $125,518 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,448.28 | $6,276 | $75,311 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $965.52 | $4,184 | $50,207 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Pawtucket) | $60.35 |
| 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 Pawtucket, RI earn a median of $125,521 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.39% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 0.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $125,647.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.35/hr = $75,311/year (purchasing power: $74,936).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $125,518/year (purchasing power: $124,893).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Pawtucket (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Pawtucket grew 22.4% from $47.55/hr (2019) to $58.22/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.55/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 Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket
Examining the earning potential for part-time electrical engineers, a typical three-day workweek of 24 hours could yield approximately $75,580 annually. In contrast, those in per-diem or agency roles—including positions that might bill $90 to $170 hourly—can significantly increase their earnings. Specialized sectors, such as security-cleared defense contractors and advanced semiconductor consultants, can offer even higher rates, ranging from $150 to $400 per hour depending on the complexity and sensitivity of the work. This variation in pay reflects factors such as industry demands and the necessity for security clearances. Engineers specializing in utilities might see lower compensation compared to tech or defense roles but often benefit from stability and health insurance. Thus, while a higher hourly rate may draw many into contractor roles devoid of benefits, navigating the decision requires balancing immediate pay against long-term job security and benefits, something vital in a city like Pawtucket that hosts a diverse array of employment opportunities for electrical engineers.
More salary data for Pawtucket, RI:
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 Pawtucket. 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 Pawtucket 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