Electrical Engineer Salary in Wilson, NC: $104,460 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Wilson, NC earns a median $104,460/year (≈ $50.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Wilson's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $111,603 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Wilson, North Carolina, the electrical engineer salary sits at a projected $104,460 for 2026, reflecting a regional compensation structure that trails the national median by approximately 16.45%. Local engineers earn between $71,020 and $154,880, highlighting a substantial salary range that mirrors the varied demands and industries in the area. These figures, derived from state-level data and regional cost adjustments, showcase a unique pay landscape in Wilson, where opportunities can stem from defense, utilities, and emerging tech firms. Given the limited number of electrical engineers employed locally, job security remains crucial, particularly for those navigating the essential credentials in a competitive field.
About the Wilson Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,020 | $34.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,806 | $39.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $104,460 | $50.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $133,512 | $64.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $154,880 | $74.46 |
Median Salary Position
16.45% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilson
In Wilson, NC, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $83,860 (2026 est.). At $104,460, the local median is 16.45% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wilson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wilson Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Wilson median: $104,460/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wilson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $108,925 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | -16.45% less |
Electrical Engineers in Wilson, NC earn a median of $104,460 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.45% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 4.10% below the North Carolina state average of $108,925.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wilson has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wilson, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A electrical engineer earning $104,460 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $111,603 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,317
2025 BLS Actual
$100,781
2026 Current Est.
$104,460
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Wilson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,317 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,239 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,896 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,319 | Actual |
| 2023 | $89,352 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,906 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,781 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,460 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $108,272 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wilson metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $82,317 (2019) to $100,781 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $108,272 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,955 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilson 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) | $71,020 – $82,806 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,806 – $104,460 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $104,460 – $133,512 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $133,512 – $154,880 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Wilson
With only seven electrical engineers currently employed in Wilson, the job market presents both challenges and opportunities. The cost of living index sits at 93.6, indicating that salaries stretch further than in many other regions, enhancing take-home purchasing power for residents. Employers like Duke Energy and various engineering consulting firms offer competitive salaries, while roles in the semiconductor industry—led by tech giants—typically draw the highest compensation. The disparity in earnings is driven by industry demands, with positions that require security clearance or advanced degrees frequently attracting a premium. For professionals in Wilson, securing a position within high-paying sectors and obtaining recognized certifications can significantly augment their career trajectories and income potential.
More salary data for Wilson, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electrical engineers make in Wilson, NC in 2026?
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Can electrical engineers make $100K in Wilson?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted electrical engineer salary in Wilson?
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Related Pages
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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 $100,781 for electrical engineersin the Wilson 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 Wilson 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