Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Tukwila, WA: $56.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Tukwila, WA runs $56.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $116,510 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Tukwila's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,904 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Tukwila, Washington, electrical engineers earn a median hourly rate of $56.01, which falls slightly below the national median of $60.11. This differential may influence the choices of individuals working in part-time or per-diem roles, such as those taking on contracts within tech company hardware labs or semiconductor clean rooms. With hourly rates ranging from $38.83 at the entry-level up to $80.09 for top earners, engineers in this region can find opportunities that suit their schedule and professional goals. These positions often entail environments that require specialized skills, where engineers are engaged in a variety of tasks, from circuit design in controlled settings to remote collaboration on simulation projects. As the Tukwila job market evolves, these hourly rates provide a clear picture of how electrical engineers are compensated for their expertise.
About the Tukwila Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.83 | $310.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.50 | $348.02 |
| Median (P50) | $56.01 | $448.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.89 | $551.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80.09 | $640.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tukwila
Based on $56.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $56.01/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tukwila, WA can expect to earn approximately $116,506 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $67,215. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tukwila.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tukwila
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,240.50 | $9,709 | $116,506 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,344.30 | $5,825 | $69,904 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $896.20 | $3,884 | $46,602 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Tukwila) | $56.01 |
| 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 Tukwila, WA earn a median of $116,510 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.82% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 7.60% below the Washington state average of $126,093.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $56.01/hr = $69,904/year (purchasing power: $65,087).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $116,506/year (purchasing power: $108,479).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$56.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Tukwila (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Tukwila grew 22.4% from $44.14/hr (2019) to $54.04/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $58.06/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 Tukwila 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 Tukwila
Many electrical engineers opt for part-time work, acquiring a steady income while maintaining flexibility. A typical 24-hour work week might yield around $43,584 annually, in contrast to their full-time counterparts, who would earn significantly more. For those interested in per-diem work, it's common for rates to escalate quickly; contracts can command anywhere from $90 to $170 per hour for general electrical engineering roles, with security-cleared defense contractors drawing higher fees, often reaching $150 to $280 per hour. Specialized roles, such as chip design consulting, can demand premium rates ranging from $200 to $400 an hour, creating a wide variance in pay based on project needs and expertise. While some engineers are willing to accept lower hourly wages for the security of benefits, especially from tech giants in Tukwila, the decision often balances earning potential against job security and health insurance offerings. Negotiating hourly pay effectively hinges on understanding the unique demands of the Tukwila market and the value one brings to specialized positions.
More salary data for Tukwila, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for electrical engineers in Tukwila in 2026?
How much do part-time electrical engineers make in Tukwila?
Are electrical engineers in Tukwila paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time electrical engineer make per year in Tukwila?
Do electrical engineers earn more per hour working part-time in Tukwila?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Tukwila. 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 Tukwila 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