Electrical Engineer Salary in Columbus, MS: $100,760 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Columbus, MS earns a median $100,760/year (≈ $48.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $117,573 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Mississippi, electrical engineers can expect a median annual salary of $100,760 in 2026. With a salary range from $64,187 at the 10th percentile to $141,046 at the 90th percentile, the earnings reflect local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variances. While this compensation is notable in the context of the local economy, it's important to consider that it falls short of the national median of $125,033, indicating a 19.41% difference. The market for electrical engineers in Columbus presents opportunities, especially given the prevalence of industries like semiconductor design and defense contracting, where security clearance roles are in demand.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,187 | $30.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,644 | $39.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,760 | $48.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $122,331 | $58.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $141,046 | $67.81 |
Median Salary Position
19.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, MS, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $76,859 (2026 est.). At $100,760, the local median is 19.41% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbus: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbus Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Columbus median: $100,760/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $107,192 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | -19.41% less |
Electrical Engineers in Columbus, MS earn a median of $100,760 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.41% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 6.00% below the Mississippi state average of $107,192.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A electrical engineer earning $100,760 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $117,573 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$79,402
2025 BLS Actual
$97,212
2026 Current Est.
$100,760
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,402 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,256 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,925 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,262 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,188 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,140 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,212 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,760 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,438 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $79,402 (2019) to $97,212 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,438 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,036 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus 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) | $64,187 – $82,644 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,644 – $100,760 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,760 – $122,331 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $122,331 – $141,046 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Columbus
The job market for electrical engineers in Columbus remains relatively small, with only six engineers employed in the area. However, the lower cost of living—reflected in a cost-of-living index of 85.7—means that take-home purchasing power is enhanced compared to more expensive regions. Employers in sectors like semiconductor design and defense contracting typically provide the highest pay, capitalizing on the premium associated with security clearances. The disparity in earnings often arises based on the industry; for instance, semiconductor roles at companies like Intel and AMD command premium salaries, while utility positions may offer stability but lag in cash compensation. Those in Columbus looking to maximize their electrical engineer pay should consider acquiring additional credentials, such as a PE license, or pursuing opportunities in high-paying tech companies that offer substantial equity options.
More salary data for Columbus, MS:
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 $97,212 for electrical engineersin the Columbus 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 Columbus 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