Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Pierre, SD: $52.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Pierre, SD runs $52.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,013 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Pierre's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $56.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,402 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pierre, South Dakota, electrical engineers earn a median hourly rate of $52.41, which is notably below the national median of $60.11. This hourly wage reflects compensation for both full-time roles and flexible employment opportunities. For those considering part-time work, such as a 3-day workweek, the pay translates into significant earnings but may limit engagement in specialized environments like tech company hardware labs or utility field engineering. Hourly rates vary from approximately $33.31 at the entry level to $76.54 for the most experienced professionals. These figures are estimates derived from projected annual salaries, emphasizing the diverse opportunities available in local semiconductor fabs and client-site work at defense contractors that often require security clearance.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.31 | $266.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.93 | $343.45 |
| Median (P50) | $52.41 | $419.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.43 | $523.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76.54 | $612.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pierre
Based on $52.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.41/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pierre, SD can expect to earn approximately $109,003 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,887. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pierre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pierre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,096.22 | $9,084 | $109,003 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,257.73 | $5,450 | $65,402 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $838.49 | $3,633 | $43,601 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Pierre) | $52.41 |
| 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 Pierre, SD earn a median of $109,013 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.81% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $115,971.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.41/hr = $65,402/year (purchasing power: $70,476).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,003/year (purchasing power: $117,460).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Pierre grew 22.4% from $41.30/hr (2019) to $50.56/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.32/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 Pierre 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 Pierre
Taking into account the part-time earning potential, an electrical engineer working 24 hours per week could see earnings around $40,000 annually, significantly less than what full-time peers might secure. For those contemplating per-diem or contract roles, the pay can vary widely, with rates for electrical engineers ranging from $90 to $170 hourly, specifically in specialty areas. Notably, security-cleared positions in defense contracting can command even higher fees, while consultancy roles in chip design may reach $200 to $400, depending on expertise. This variance across sectors in Pierre underscores a trade-off: some engineers may opt for lower hourly compensation with benefits included, while others may pursue higher rates without benefits for greater flexibility. Understanding this, professionals in the field should be equipped to negotiate effectively, acknowledging industry standards while recognizing their unique skill sets, especially within the semiconductor sector’s competitive pay structure.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
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 Pierre. 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 Pierre 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