Electrical Engineer Salary in Charlottesville, VA: $127,075 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Charlottesville, VA earns a median $127,075/year (≈ $61.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Charlottesville's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 99.1), that paycheck buys what $128,170 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.5% above the Virginia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, electrical engineers in Charlottesville, Virginia, will earn a median annual salary of $127,075, reflecting a competitive edge over the national median of $125,033. The projected salary range spans from $89,263 at the 10th percentile to $181,388 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the diverse opportunities within this profession. Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, these numbers highlight the varied landscape of electrical engineering jobs in the area. Whether working in semiconductor and chip design, utility power systems, or defense projects, engineers can expect compensation that not only matches national standards but, in some cases, exceeds them significantly. Such trends indicate a healthy demand for skilled engineers in Charlottesville's job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,263 | $42.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,090 | $49.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,075 | $61.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $163,964 | $78.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $181,388 | $87.21 |
Median Salary Position
1.63% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Charlottesville
In Charlottesville, VA, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $92,125 (2026 est.). At $127,075, the local median is 1.63% above the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Charlottesville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Charlottesville Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Charlottesville median: $127,075/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Charlottesville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $112,955 | +12.50% more |
| National Average | $125,033 | +1.63% more |
Electrical Engineers in Charlottesville, VA earn a median of $127,075 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.63% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 12.50% above the Virginia state average of $112,955.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Charlottesville has a cost of living 0.85% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Charlottesville, VA has a cost-of-living index of 99.146 (below the national average of 100). A electrical engineer earning $127,075 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $128,170 in an average-cost city — an effective 0.86% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$104,990
2025 BLS Actual
$122,600
2026 Current Est.
$127,075
2019–2027 Growth
+25.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Charlottesville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $104,990 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,410 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,980 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,370 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $108,850 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,600 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,075 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,713 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Charlottesville metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 16.8% from $104,990 (2019) to $122,600 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,713 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,723 (25.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Charlottesville 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) | $89,263 – $103,090 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,090 – $127,075 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,075 – $163,964 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $163,964 – $181,388 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Charlottesville
Currently, approximately 110 electrical engineers are employed in Charlottesville, revealing a stable market for professionals in the field. The cost-of-living index in this city stands at 99.146, slightly below the national average, which positions engineers to enjoy a favorable purchasing power with their salaries. Companies specializing in semiconductor technology, such as those involved in chip design, often lead in compensation, followed closely by defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. The disparity in pay is driven by multiple factors, including the security clearance premium and the advanced education levels that certain positions require. To maximize their earnings, engineers might consider pursuing roles in higher-paying sectors, obtaining security clearances, or seeking management positions, which can provide additional financial incentives over time.
More salary data for Charlottesville, 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 $122,600 for electrical engineersin the Charlottesville 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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