Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Austin, TX: $72.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Austin, TX runs $72.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $150,666 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Austin's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $73.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $90,406 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Electrical engineers in Austin, Texas can expect a median hourly rate of $72.44, which notably surpasses the national hourly median of $60.11. This higher pay reflects the region's booming tech sector and the demand for skilled engineers in areas such as semiconductor fabrication and defense contracting. For part-time workers, specifically those committing to a 3-day work week, this translates into significant earnings, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle in the city. Per-diem electrical engineers often operate in dynamic environments, from high-tech labs equipped with oscilloscopes and soldering stations to sensitive compartments in defense contractor facilities. For those just starting in their careers, entry-level positions may approach $40.84 per hour, while seasoned professionals can reach up to $106.10 hourly, depending on their expertise and the nature of their work.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.84 | $326.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.97 | $439.72 |
| Median (P50) | $72.44 | $579.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100.69 | $805.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.10 | $848.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Austin
Based on $72.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $72.44/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Austin, TX can expect to earn approximately $150,677 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $86,929. With a cost-of-living index of 98.07 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Austin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Austin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,897.64 | $12,556 | $150,677 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,738.58 | $7,534 | $90,406 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,159.06 | $5,023 | $60,271 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Austin) | $72.44 |
| 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 Austin, TX earn a median of $150,666 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.50% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 35.30% above the Texas state average of $111,357.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $72.44/hr = $90,406/year (purchasing power: $92,189).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $150,677/year (purchasing power: $153,649).
CoL index: 98.066 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$69.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$72.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $69.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Austin grew 42.5% from $49.05/hr (2019) to $69.89/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $75.09/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 Austin 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 Austin
Exploring the realm of part-time employment as an electrical engineer can result in varied annual earnings compared to full-time counterparts. A part-time engineer, working 24 hours a week, could take home approximately $56,602 annually, highlighting the flexibility some may prefer over traditional full-time roles. Per diem and contractor positions are also popular, with billing rates that can range from $90 to $170 per hour, and even higher for specialized roles or those requiring security clearance, going up to $150-$280 per hour. The type of employer significantly influences hourly rates in Austin; tech giants like Apple and Nvidia typically offer some of the highest paychecks, while utilities and power companies provide more job stability, albeit at lower rates. Engineers may face a compensation trade-off—opting for lucrative hourly pay without benefits versus stable employment with a health insurance package. To negotiate effectively, understanding current market rates and demonstrating specialized skills or clearances can provide leverage, particularly in a city as competitive as Austin.
More salary data for Austin, TX:
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 Austin. 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, 7-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