Electrical Engineer Salary in Kalamazoo, MI: $101,245 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Kalamazoo, MI earns a median $101,245/year (≈ $48.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Kalamazoo's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 94.8), that paycheck buys what $106,753 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Michigan state average.
Official BLS data · View source

Kalamazoo's electrical engineers can expect an annual median salary of $101,245 in 2026, which presents a noticeable gap when compared to the national average of $125,033. Salaries here fall within a range from $67,922 at the 10th percentile to $158,616 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating a diverse spectrum of compensation based on experience, qualifications, and industry sector. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and projected to 2026, underscore the local job market's nuances, including whether roles demand a security clearance. Given the strong focus on semiconductor and tech industries in the area, the demand for skilled electrical engineers may provide some upward pressure on salaries, fostering competitive opportunities in Kalamazoo, MI.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,922 | $32.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,261 | $38.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $101,245 | $48.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $131,014 | $62.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $158,616 | $76.26 |
Median Salary Position
19.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kalamazoo
In Kalamazoo, MI, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $90,694 (2026 est.). At $101,245, the local median is 19.03% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kalamazoo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kalamazoo Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Kalamazoo median: $101,245/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kalamazoo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $105,464 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | -19.03% less |
Electrical Engineers in Kalamazoo, MI earn a median of $101,245 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.03% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 4.00% below the Michigan state average of $105,464.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kalamazoo has a cost of living 5.16% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kalamazoo, MI has a cost-of-living index of 94.84 (below the national average of 100). A electrical engineer earning $101,245 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $106,753 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.44% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,200
2025 BLS Actual
$97,680
2026 Current Est.
$101,245
2019–2027 Growth
+23.2%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Kalamazoo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,200 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,190 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,150 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,260 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,060 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,230 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,680 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,245 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,941 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kalamazoo metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 14.6% from $85,200 (2019) to $97,680 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,941 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,741 (23.17%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kalamazoo 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) | $67,922 – $79,261 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,261 – $101,245 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $101,245 – $131,014 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $131,014 – $158,616 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Kalamazoo
With approximately 170 electrical engineers currently employed in Kalamazoo, the job outlook appears promising, particularly with a moderate growth rate projected at 3.65% annually. The cost of living index stands at 94.84, indicating that residents enjoy a lower than average living expense, which can enhance their overall purchasing power amidst salaries that, while lower than the national median, still provide a comfortable lifestyle. Major employers in the region include the semiconductor industry and defense contractors, both of which tend to offer higher compensation, especially for those with security clearances. Strategically, engineers looking to maximize their electrical engineer pay in Kalamazoo, MI should consider roles within chip design firms or seek advanced degrees to elevate their status in the local hierarchy. Tailoring skill sets to align with industry demands and obtaining relevant certifications can also significantly influence pay scales and job security within this evolving market.
More salary data for Kalamazoo, MI:
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 $97,680 for electrical engineersin the Kalamazoo 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, 7-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