Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Hilton Head Island, SC: $37.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Hilton Head Island, SC runs $37.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,758 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Hilton Head Island's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.0, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,658 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Hilton Head Island offers electrical engineers a median hourly rate of $37.39, significantly lower than the national median of $60.11. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates to an earning potential that may appeal to those seeking flexible work arrangements in dynamic settings, including tech company hardware labs, semiconductor fabrication clean rooms, and utility substations. The hourly rates in Hilton Head Island range from entry-level positions to experienced practitioners who could earn up to $67.47. This data reflects the local market for electrical engineers as per 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, emphasizing the unique economic landscape of this coastal community where the demand for such roles continues to grow.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.39 | $299.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.39 | $299.09 |
| Median (P50) | $37.39 | $299.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.98 | $407.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.47 | $539.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hilton Head Island
Based on $37.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.39/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hilton Head Island, SC can expect to earn approximately $77,764 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,864. With a cost-of-living index of 98.02 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hilton Head Island.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hilton Head Island
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,495.46 | $6,480 | $77,764 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $897.28 | $3,888 | $46,658 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $598.18 | $2,592 | $31,106 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Hilton Head Island) | $37.39 |
| 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 Hilton Head Island, SC earn a median of $77,758 per year (2026 est.), which is 37.81% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 26.20% below the South Carolina state average of $105,363.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.39/hr = $46,658/year (purchasing power: $47,602).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,764/year (purchasing power: $79,337).
CoL index: 98.017 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Hilton Head Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Hilton Head Island grew 22.4% from $29.46/hr (2019) to $36.07/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.75/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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island
For those considering a part-time schedule or per-diem arrangements, opportunities abound in Hilton Head Island that offer varied compensation structures. An electrical engineer opting for a three-day work week, amounting to 24 hours, might still secure a solid income, particularly when considering the lucrative realm of contract work. Rates for per diem electrical engineer pay in Hilton Head Island typically range from $90 to $170 per hour, with specialized consultants in chip design potentially commanding even higher rates. Notably, professionals with security clearances can anticipate hourly rates that can soar to between $150 and $280, depending on the employer type. Utility companies may offer lower hourly rates but compensate via benefits like pensions, whereas technical or consulting roles might come with higher pay but fewer perks. Negotiation in such scenarios accounts for factors like health insurance, retirement plans, and work-life balance, making it vital for electrical engineers to clarify their value. As the industry landscape evolves, knowing what to ask for can ensure competitive compensation in both traditional and specialized roles.
More salary data for Hilton Head Island, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for electrical engineers in Hilton Head Island in 2026?
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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 Hilton Head Island. 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, 5-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