Electrical Engineer Salary in Fairfax, VA: $107,792 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Fairfax, VA earns a median $107,792/year (≈ $51.82/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Fairfax's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $104,450 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, electrical engineers in Fairfax, Virginia, can anticipate a median annual salary of $107,792, which falls below the national average of $125,033 for the same year. Salary ranges for this profession in Fairfax are wide, with the lower limit set at $71,000 and the upper threshold reaching as high as $154,246. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect not just local economic conditions but also the industry's specific demands, particularly in cutting-edge fields like semiconductor and chip design. The trade-off between individual contributor (IC) roles and management tracks is significant, with compensation variations increasing as engineers advance in their careers. Opportunities in Fairfax are concentrated in high-tech and defense sectors, suggesting a robust hiring climate for skilled electrical engineers.
About the Fairfax Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,000 | $34.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,780 | $40.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $107,792 | $51.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $132,624 | $63.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $154,246 | $74.16 |
Median Salary Position
13.79% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfax
In Fairfax, VA, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $83,246 (2026 est.). At $107,792, the local median is 13.79% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfax: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairfax Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Fairfax median: $107,792/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfax Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $112,871 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | -13.79% less |
Electrical Engineers in Fairfax, VA earn a median of $107,792 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.79% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $112,871.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfax has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfax, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $107,792 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $104,450 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$84,943
2025 BLS Actual
$103,996
2026 Current Est.
$107,792
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,943 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,926 | Actual |
| 2021 | $86,573 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,073 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,202 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,112 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,996 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $107,792 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $111,726 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfax metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $84,943 (2019) to $103,996 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $111,726 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,783 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfax 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) | $71,000 – $83,780 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,780 – $107,792 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $107,792 – $132,624 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $132,624 – $154,246 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Fairfax
Fairfax's job market for electrical engineers is relatively small, with only four professionals currently employed in this area. The cost of living index here stands at 103.2, which means that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power might be impacted when compared to other regions. Among the highest-paying employers are technology giants like Apple and Nvidia, as well as established defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. The difference in earnings across various sectors reflects industry demands; semiconductor and chip design roles generally command the highest salaries, while utility companies lag significantly, albeit offering more stability and benefits such as pension plans. For electrical engineers, pursuing advanced degrees or obtaining a PE license can maximize earning potential. Additionally, those who can navigate the IC versus management pathway effectively may tap into significant compensation growth, maximizing their financial trajectory in Fairfax's evolving job landscape.
More salary data for Fairfax, 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 $103,996 for electrical engineersin the Fairfax 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 Fairfax 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