Electrical Engineer Salary in Salem, NH: $130,921 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Salem, NH earns a median $130,921/year (≈ $62.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Salem's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $122,014 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Electrical engineers in Salem, NH, are poised to enjoy a robust median annual salary of $130,921 in 2026, reflecting a competitive edge compared to the national median of $125,033. This attractive pay figure spans a salary range from $81,910 at the lower end (P10) to $190,558 at the high end (P90), revealing significant potential for those entering specialized sectors. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living dynamics, emphasizing the value of skilled engineers in semiconductor and chip design roles at local tech firms. Meanwhile, roles in utility power systems tend to offer lower salaries but might provide greater job stability, appealing to a different set of priorities within the electrical engineering profession in Salem.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,910 | $39.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,665 | $47.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $130,921 | $62.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $162,245 | $78.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $190,558 | $91.62 |
Median Salary Position
4.71% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, NH, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $108,648 (2026 est.). At $130,921, the local median is 4.71% above the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salem Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Salem median: $130,921/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $134,141 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | +4.71% more |
Electrical Engineers in Salem, NH earn a median of $130,921 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.71% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 2.40% below the New Hampshire state average of $134,141.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $130,921 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $122,014 — a 6.8% 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
$103,170
2025 BLS Actual
$126,311
2026 Current Est.
$130,921
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $103,170 | Actual |
| 2020 | $105,579 | Actual |
| 2021 | $105,149 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,186 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,987 | Actual |
| 2024 | $120,416 | Actual |
| 2025 | $126,311 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $130,921 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135,700 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $103,170 (2019) to $126,311 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $135,700 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,530 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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) | $81,910 – $98,665 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,665 – $130,921 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $130,921 – $162,245 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $162,245 – $190,558 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Salem
In Salem, there are currently eight electrical engineers employed, highlighting a niche yet substantial job market within this New England town. The regional cost of living index of 107.3 indicates a higher-than-average expense of living, which impacts the overall purchasing power of engineers' salaries in the area. Top employers include major tech companies like Apple and Intel, which are known for their lucrative compensation packages, particularly for roles demanding security clearances. Factors driving salary differences include industry specialization, the premium placed on security clearance, and educational background—PhD holders often earning more than those with just a bachelor's degree. Navigating this market effectively involves targeting positions in high-paying sectors like semiconductor design, pursuing certifications like the PE license for enhanced credibility, and considering the trade-offs between management roles and individual contributions in engineering design.
More salary data for Salem, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electrical engineers make in Salem, NH in 2026?
Is Salem, NH a good place to work as a electrical engineer?
Can electrical engineers make $100K in Salem?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted electrical engineer salary in Salem?
How much does a electrical engineer make per hour in Salem?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Hampshire
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 $126,311 for electrical engineersin the Salem 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 Salem 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