Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Columbia, TN: $48.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Columbia, TN runs $48.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,228 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,732 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbia, Tennessee, the electrical engineer hourly rate is projected to be $48.66 in 2026, which falls significantly below the national median of $60.11. This median rate provides a useful context for part-time workers, such as those seeking three-day workweeks in environments like tech company hardware labs or utility substations. For electrical engineers in Columbia, entry-level positions may start around $30.39 per hour, while top earners could see rates soar to $73.71. Such figures highlight the variance in earnings based on experience and specialization, with workplace settings that range from semiconductor fabrication clean rooms to remote CAD simulation work influencing hourly pay rates.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.39 | $243.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.59 | $292.71 |
| Median (P50) | $48.66 | $389.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.10 | $496.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73.71 | $589.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $48.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.66/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, TN can expect to earn approximately $101,220 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,396. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,946.55 | $8,435 | $101,220 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,167.93 | $5,061 | $60,732 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $778.62 | $3,374 | $40,488 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Columbia) | $48.66 |
| 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 Columbia, TN earn a median of $101,228 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.04% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 2.50% below the Tennessee state average of $103,823.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.66/hr = $60,732/year (purchasing power: $66,157).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,220/year (purchasing power: $110,262).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Columbia grew 22.4% from $38.35/hr (2019) to $46.95/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.44/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
For engineers leaning towards part-time opportunities, working 24 hours a week at the existing hourly rate could yield an annual income significantly less than that of full-time counterparts. Per-diem or contract work offers alternative earning avenues, where billed rates can fluctuate dramatically—ranging from $90 to $170 for general contract roles, and upwards of $150 to $280 for specialized defense contractors requiring security clearance. Additionally, positions within the semiconductor industry often fetch premium compensation, driven by high demand and specialized skills. Some engineers accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits, while others prioritize higher rates that come with less job security. Understanding the dynamics of employer types is crucial for negotiating favorable employment terms in Columbia, where competition in both tech and defense sectors can greatly impact potential earnings.
More salary data for Columbia, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for electrical engineers in Columbia in 2026?
How much do part-time electrical engineers make in Columbia?
Are electrical engineers in Columbia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time electrical engineer make per year in Columbia?
Do electrical engineers earn more per hour working part-time in Columbia?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 Columbia. 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 Columbia 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