Electrical Engineer Salary in Westerly, RI: $117,348 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Westerly, RI earns a median $117,348/year (≈ $56.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Westerly's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $116,764 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, electrical engineers in Westerly, Rhode Island, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $117,348. This figure reflects a healthy salary range, with earnings spanning from $83,239 at the 10th percentile to $169,685 at the 90th percentile. The estimates, based on 2025 BLS data, have been adjusted for regional price parity. This local compensation indicates a strategic differentiation for professionals considering the choice between an individual contributor (IC) path versus management roles, both of which can lead to significant pay increases depending on experience, specialization, and job function. With an expanding tech presence, opportunities for specialization in fields like semiconductor design are particularly lucrative, offering upward mobility and a chance to maximize total compensation in Westerly's job market.
About the Westerly Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,239 | $40.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $95,251 | $45.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $117,348 | $56.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $141,400 | $67.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $169,685 | $81.58 |
Median Salary Position
6.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Westerly
In Westerly, RI, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $86,446 (2026 est.). At $117,348, the local median is 6.15% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Westerly: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Westerly Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Westerly median: $117,348/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Westerly Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $125,641 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | -6.15% less |
Electrical Engineers in Westerly, RI earn a median of $117,348 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.15% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 6.60% below the Rhode Island state average of $125,641.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Westerly has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Westerly, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $117,348 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $116,764 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$92,474
2025 BLS Actual
$113,216
2026 Current Est.
$117,348
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Westerly (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,474 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,633 | Actual |
| 2021 | $94,248 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,970 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,377 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,117 | Actual |
| 2025 | $113,216 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $117,348 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,632 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Westerly metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $92,474 (2019) to $113,216 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $121,632 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,158 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Westerly 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) | $83,239 – $95,251 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $95,251 – $117,348 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $117,348 – $141,400 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $141,400 – $169,685 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Westerly
Currently, the area employs five electrical engineers, which suggests a niche but focused market ripe for skilled professionals. With a cost-of-living index slightly above the national average at 100.5, living expenses may impact purchasing power, making it critical for engineers to consider overall compensation packages, including benefits and bonuses. Prominent employers in Westerly, such as defense contractors and utility companies, offer various compensation scales that can drive disparities between entry-level and advanced positions. Local firms in the semiconductor sector, however, tend to pay more due to the demand for specialized skills, particularly in chip design and development, often requiring advanced degrees and relevant certifications. For those aiming to maximize their pay, gaining security clearances, pursuing advanced degrees like a Master's or PhD, or moving into management roles can be effective strategies in this market. Understanding these dynamics will help electrical engineers in Westerly, RI, achieve their targeted compensation level.
More salary data for Westerly, RI:
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 $113,216 for electrical engineersin the Westerly 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 Westerly 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