Electrical Engineer Salary in Alexandria, VA: $129,928 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Alexandria, VA earns a median $129,928/year (≈ $62.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Alexandria's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $125,899 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 15.1% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alexandria, Virginia, electrical engineers can expect a median annual salary of $129,928 in 2026, which reflects a competitive position relative to the national median of $125,033. The salary range for these engineers extends from $84,543 at the 10th percentile to as high as $201,389 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the potential for significant earnings depending on factors like experience and specialization. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS estimates projected into 2026, indicate a slightly elevated earning environment in Alexandria, particularly for those engaged in semiconductor and chip design sectors, which typically offer higher pay compared to utility power systems or positions within defense sectors that require security clearance. This dynamic presents a robust job market for electrical engineers looking to maximize their financial potential.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,543 | $40.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,946 | $48.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,928 | $62.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $166,308 | $79.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $201,389 | $96.82 |
Median Salary Position
3.91% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alexandria
In Alexandria, VA, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,846 (2026 est.). At $129,928, the local median is 3.91% above the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Alexandria: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Alexandria Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Alexandria median: $129,928/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Alexandria Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $112,883 | +15.10% more |
| National Average | $125,033 | +3.91% more |
Electrical Engineers in Alexandria, VA earn a median of $129,928 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.91% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 15.10% above the Virginia state average of $112,883.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Alexandria has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Alexandria, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $129,928 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $125,899 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$102,388
2025 BLS Actual
$125,353
2026 Current Est.
$129,928
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $102,388 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,778 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,352 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,365 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,137 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,291 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,353 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,928 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $134,671 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alexandria metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $102,388 (2019) to $125,353 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $134,671 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,283 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alexandria 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) | $84,543 – $100,946 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,946 – $129,928 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,928 – $166,308 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $166,308 – $201,389 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Alexandria
The job market for electrical engineers in Alexandria remains strong, with only 26 individuals employed in this profession locally. However, the cost of living index stands at 103.2, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, engineers may encounter higher living expenses that could affect overall purchasing power. Major employers in the area include tech giants such as Apple and Intel, which typically offer the most lucrative opportunities, particularly for roles in chip and hardware design. Defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman also provide substantial salaries, particularly for those with security clearances. The spread between low and high salaries can often be attributed to industry differences, with semiconductor roles generally offering the best compensation, followed by cleared defense positions and tech jobs. Engineers can enhance their earning potential by obtaining advanced degrees or certifications like the PE license while considering the trade-offs between management roles versus remaining in the technical track.
More salary data for Alexandria, VA:
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 $125,353 for electrical engineersin the Alexandria 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 Alexandria 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