Electrical Engineer Salary in New Bedford, MA: $124,388 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in New Bedford, MA earns a median $124,388/year (≈ $59.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in New Bedford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $114,643 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In New Bedford, Massachusetts, the projected earnings for electrical engineers in 2026 reflect a robust median annual salary of $124,388. This figure is slightly below the national median of $125,033, indicating that while the local market is competitive, it incorporates a mixture of jobs, including roles that may require security clearances. The full salary spectrum ranges from $82,218 at the 10th percentile to $188,534 at the 90th percentile, suggesting significant variance based on factors like industry, experience, and educational background. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, illustrate the financial landscape for electrical engineers working in the area, underscoring the diversity of job opportunities available in New Bedford.
About the New Bedford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,218 | $39.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,516 | $46.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $124,388 | $59.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $156,686 | $75.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $188,534 | $90.64 |
Median Salary Position
0.52% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Bedford
In New Bedford, MA, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $106,316 (2026 est.). At $124,388, the local median is 0.52% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in New Bedford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How New Bedford Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
New Bedford median: $124,388/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | New Bedford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $123,524 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $125,033 | -0.52% less |
Electrical Engineers in New Bedford, MA earn a median of $124,388 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.52% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 0.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $123,524.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
New Bedford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
New Bedford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $124,388 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $114,643 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$98,022
2025 BLS Actual
$120,008
2026 Current Est.
$124,388
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,022 | Actual |
| 2020 | $100,310 | Actual |
| 2021 | $97,130 | Actual |
| 2022 | $116,290 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,820 | Actual |
| 2024 | $144,288 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,008 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,388 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,928 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Bedford metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $98,022 (2019) to $120,008 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $128,928 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,906 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Bedford 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) | $82,218 – $97,516 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,516 – $124,388 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $124,388 – $156,686 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $156,686 – $188,534 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in New Bedford
With only 24 electrical engineers currently employed in the city, the market exhibits a limited but targeted demand for skilled professionals, especially as local industries evolve. The cost of living index in New Bedford stands at 108.5, reflecting a higher-than-average living expense, which can impact take-home pay for engineers. Employers in the area, particularly defense contractors like Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, often offer compensation packages that include a security clearance premium, enhancing potential earnings, especially for seasoned engineers. Conversely, roles in the utility and power systems sectors tend to offer lower salaries, though they often come with benefits like pensions. Those aiming to maximize their earnings here should consider pursuing opportunities within the semiconductor industry or tech giants, as these sectors consistently pay a premium for skilled talent. Additionally, strategies such as obtaining advanced degrees or licenses, like a PE, can further improve one’s position in the job market, highlighting the intersection of education and salary potential for electrical engineers in New Bedford.
More salary data for New Bedford, MA:
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 $120,008 for electrical engineersin the New Bedford 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 New Bedford 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