Electrical Engineer Salary in Ruston, LA: $124,710 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Ruston, LA earns a median $124,710/year (≈ $59.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Ruston's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $138,106 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the electrical engineer salary in Ruston, Louisiana is projected to reach a median of $124,710, closely aligning with the national median of $125,033, indicating a competitive market for potential candidates. Salaries in the region show a substantial range, from $84,250 at the 10th percentile to $180,179 at the 90th percentile. These estimates have been derived from state-level data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with adjustments made for regional living costs. Given that the local employment of electrical engineers consists of only four professionals, those in Ruston can expect a more personalized job market in this niche field, although the limited presence may also indicate certain specialty roles rather than a broad hiring landscape.
About the Ruston Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,250 | $40.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,065 | $47.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $124,710 | $59.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $154,507 | $74.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $180,179 | $86.62 |
Median Salary Position
0.26% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ruston
In Ruston, LA, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $95,929 (2026 est.). At $124,710, the local median is 0.26% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ruston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ruston Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Ruston median: $124,710/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ruston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $129,636 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | -0.26% less |
Electrical Engineers in Ruston, LA earn a median of $124,710 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.26% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 3.80% below the Louisiana state average of $129,636.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ruston has a cost of living 9.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ruston, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A electrical engineer earning $124,710 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $138,106 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$98,275
2025 BLS Actual
$120,318
2026 Current Est.
$124,710
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Ruston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,275 | Actual |
| 2020 | $100,569 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,160 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,053 | Actual |
| 2023 | $106,673 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,571 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,318 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,710 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $129,262 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ruston metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $98,275 (2019) to $120,318 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $129,262 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,987 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ruston 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) | $84,250 – $98,065 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,065 – $124,710 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $124,710 – $154,507 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $154,507 – $180,179 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Ruston
With a cost of living index of 90.3, Ruston presents a favorable environment for electrical engineers, empowering them to enjoy greater purchasing power relative to their salaries. The job opportunities available locally may be influenced by employers from various sectors, with technology companies such as Tesla and established defense contractors like Lockheed Martin typically offering the highest compensation levels among electrical engineering positions. The variance in pay often correlates with industry demands, where those engaged in semiconductor design or management roles benefit from more lucrative packages compared to engineers in utility roles, who may prioritize job stability. Aspiring electrical engineers should consider pursuing security clearances or further education like a PE license to enhance their marketability, as these credentials can significantly elevate earning potential in Ruston LA's job market.
More salary data for Ruston, LA:
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 $120,318 for electrical engineersin the Ruston 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
Salary data for Ruston 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