Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Newport News, VA: $54.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Newport News, VA runs $54.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $113,784 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Newport News's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,274 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newport News, Virginia, the electrical engineer hourly pay stands at $54.71, which is lower than the national median of $60.11. This disparity may influence those considering part-time or per-diem roles in settings such as tech company hardware labs, semiconductor clean rooms, and defense contractor environments. With hourly rates ranging from $35.97 for entry-level positions to $84.79 for top earners, electrical engineers in the area can find flexibility in work schedules, making it appealing for those looking to balance other commitments. The ability to work in diverse environments, like utility substations or hybrid CAD simulations, provides unique opportunities for engineers seeking varied experiences while still earning competitive hourly wages.
About the Newport News Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.97 | $287.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.91 | $343.29 |
| Median (P50) | $54.71 | $437.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.03 | $560.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.79 | $678.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newport News
Based on $54.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.71/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newport News, VA can expect to earn approximately $113,789 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,648. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newport News.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newport News
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,188.26 | $9,482 | $113,789 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,312.96 | $5,689 | $68,274 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $875.30 | $3,793 | $45,516 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Newport News) | $54.71 |
| 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 Newport News, VA earn a median of $113,784 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.00% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 0.80% above the Virginia state average of $112,881.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.71/hr = $68,274/year (purchasing power: $66,157).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $113,789/year (purchasing power: $110,261).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Newport News (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Newport News grew 22.4% from $43.11/hr (2019) to $52.78/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.70/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 Newport News 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 Newport News
Considering the part-time landscape, working three days a week at 24 hours translates to an annual take-home significantly lower than a full-time position, impacting earnings and lifestyle choices. Per-diem electrical engineers often operate on contracts that can yield hourly rates well above the local average, often between $90 to $170. Particularly in specialized roles, such as those requiring security clearance or expertise in chip design, rates can escalate to $150-$400 per hour, reflecting market demand and skill rarity. Employers in Newport News, from tech giants to defense contractors, offer varied pay structures; while some might opt for less hourly compensation in favor of stable benefits, others may choose to prioritize higher pay without the security of health insurance. For engineers negotiating hourly pay, emphasizing specialized skills and relevant experience can be key strategies to secure a favorable compensation package in this competitive environment.
More salary data for Newport News, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for electrical engineers in Newport News in 2026?
How much do part-time electrical engineers make in Newport News?
Are electrical engineers in Newport News paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time electrical engineer make per year in Newport News?
Do electrical engineers earn more per hour working part-time in Newport News?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Newport News. 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 Newport News 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