Electrical Engineer Salary in Waterbury, CT: $104,666 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Waterbury, CT earns a median $104,666/year (≈ $50.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Waterbury's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 99.8), that paycheck buys what $104,899 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 22.4% below the Connecticut state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Waterbury, Connecticut, the projected compensation for electrical engineers in 2026 stands at $104,666 annually, reflecting a notable divergence from the national median of $125,033. The salary range for professionals in this role reflects significant variability, with entry-level positions starting at $65,268 and more experienced engineers earning up to $164,617. These figures, derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, indicate a moderate local market for electrical engineering roles, shaped by diverse industry demands and the prevailing cost of living. The financial landscape suggests that those in Waterbury may find ample opportunities, particularly within sectors that favor technical expertise, although the compensation lags behind more competitive markets.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,268 | $31.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,226 | $40.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $104,666 | $50.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $130,858 | $62.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $164,617 | $79.15 |
Median Salary Position
16.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waterbury
In Waterbury, CT, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $99,349 (2026 est.). At $104,666, the local median is 16.29% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waterbury: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waterbury Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Waterbury median: $104,666/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waterbury Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $134,879 | -22.40% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | -16.29% less |
Electrical Engineers in Waterbury, CT earn a median of $104,666 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.29% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 22.40% below the Connecticut state average of $134,879.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waterbury has a cost of living 0.22% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waterbury, CT has a cost-of-living index of 99.778 (below the national average of 100). A electrical engineer earning $104,666 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $104,899 in an average-cost city — an effective 0.22% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,480
2025 BLS Actual
$100,980
2026 Current Est.
$104,666
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Waterbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,480 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,405 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,100 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,770 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,440 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,980 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,666 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $108,486 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waterbury metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $82,480 (2019) to $100,980 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $108,486 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,006 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waterbury 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $65,268 – $84,226 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,226 – $104,666 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $104,666 – $130,858 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $130,858 – $164,617 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Waterbury
The local job market in Waterbury is home to approximately 240 electrical engineers, providing a supportive community and various employment opportunities. With a cost-of-living index at 99.778, residents can enjoy a slightly lower-than-average expense ratio, which positively affects their take-home purchasing power. Employers like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, thriving within defense contracting, typically offer competitive salaries that can minimize the impact of the lower local pay scale compared to high-demand areas. It’s essential for electrical engineers in Waterbury to consider paths in growing sectors such as semiconductor design or electrical utilities, where industry differences can generate disparity in compensation. Additionally, acquiring relevant certifications, such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license, or transitioning into roles requiring security clearance can enhance earning potential. Balancing technical expertise with strategic career moves will empower engineers to maximize their earning potential in the Waterbury market.
More salary data for Waterbury, CT:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $100,980 for electrical engineersin the Waterbury metropolitan area. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-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