Electrical Engineer Salary in Wheaton, MD: $136,643 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Wheaton, MD earns a median $136,643/year (≈ $65.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Wheaton's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $125,016 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected salary for electrical engineers in Wheaton, MD, stands at $136,643, representing a notable 9.29% increase over the national median of $125,033. Compensation for these positions ranges from $83,922 at the lower end to a substantial $206,458 at the high end, highlighting the lucrative opportunities available in this field. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost differences, emphasize Wheaton's competitive market for electrical engineering talent, particularly for roles often requiring security clearance. This factor plays a significant role in attracting engineers to cleared positions aligned with defense or government sectors, where demand remains strong.
About the Wheaton Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,922 | $40.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,037 | $49.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,643 | $65.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,473 | $82.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $206,458 | $99.26 |
Median Salary Position
9.29% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheaton
In Wheaton, MD, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,536 (2026 est.). At $136,643, the local median is 9.29% above the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wheaton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wheaton Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Wheaton median: $136,643/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheaton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $125,033 | +9.29% more |
Electrical Engineers in Wheaton, MD earn a median of $136,643 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.29% higher than the national median of $125,033.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheaton has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wheaton, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $136,643 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $125,016 — a 8.51% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$107,679
2025 BLS Actual
$131,831
2026 Current Est.
$136,643
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Wheaton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,679 | Actual |
| 2020 | $110,192 | Actual |
| 2021 | $109,744 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,914 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,881 | Actual |
| 2024 | $139,884 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,831 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,643 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,630 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheaton metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $107,679 (2019) to $131,831 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,630 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,951 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheaton 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) | $83,922 – $102,037 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,037 – $136,643 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,643 – $172,473 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,473 – $206,458 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Wheaton
The job market for electrical engineers in Wheaton consists of approximately 11 professionals currently employed, reflecting a relatively tight labor pool. With a cost-of-living index of 109.3, which exceeds the national average, engineers must consider how this impacts their take-home pay and overall purchasing power. Employers that typically offer higher salaries include tech giants like Apple and Nvidia, as well as defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, both of which prioritize candidates with security clearances. The range of salaries can be largely influenced by factors like industry specialization, such as semiconductor design or cleared defense projects, and the educational background of the candidates. To maximize earnings, electrical engineers in Wheaton should pursue advanced degrees or certifications, consider positions that offer the potential for equity or RSUs, and stay informed about market trends to leverage their skills effectively in this competitive sector.
More salary data for Wheaton, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electrical engineers make in Wheaton, MD in 2026?
Is Wheaton, MD a good place to work as a electrical engineer?
Can electrical engineers make $100K in Wheaton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted electrical engineer salary in Wheaton?
How much does a electrical engineer make per hour in Wheaton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maryland
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 $131,831 for electrical engineersin the Wheaton 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 Wheaton 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