Electrical Engineer Salary in Reston, VA: $110,413 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Reston, VA earns a median $110,413/year (≈ $53.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Reston's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $106,989 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $110,413 in 2026, electrical engineers in Reston, Virginia, are positioned within a competitive market, especially relative to the national median of $125,033. The salary range for electrical engineers in the area varies significantly, from $72,730 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $168,664 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost differences, indicate a dynamic local job market influenced by Reston's focus on technology, semiconductor design, and defense contracting. Many professionals find opportunities with prominent companies, suggesting optimism for career growth and robust earnings in the field.
About the Reston Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,730 | $34.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $86,139 | $41.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $110,413 | $53.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $140,806 | $67.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $168,664 | $81.09 |
Median Salary Position
11.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Reston
In Reston, VA, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $95,934 (2026 est.). At $110,413, the local median is 11.69% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Reston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Reston Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Reston median: $110,413/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Reston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $112,897 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | -11.69% less |
Electrical Engineers in Reston, VA earn a median of $110,413 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.69% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 2.20% below the Virginia state average of $112,897.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Reston has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Reston, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $110,413 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $106,989 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,009
2025 BLS Actual
$106,525
2026 Current Est.
$110,413
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Reston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,009 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,040 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,678 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,239 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,445 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,180 | Actual |
| 2025 | $106,525 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $110,413 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $114,443 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Reston metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $87,009 (2019) to $106,525 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $114,443 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,434 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Reston 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) | $72,730 – $86,139 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $86,139 – $110,413 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $110,413 – $140,806 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $140,806 – $168,664 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Reston
The local job market for electrical engineers in Reston, with only 16 actively employed in the area, reflects a unique blend of high demand and limited supply, creating potential advantages for job seekers. While the cost-of-living index stands at 103.2, which is slightly above the national average, the purchasing power for electrical engineers may be impacted by this factor. Companies like Apple, Nvidia, and Lockheed Martin offer some of the highest salaries, particularly for roles requiring security clearance. The disparity in pay within the sector can be attributed to various factors, such as the specialization required in semiconductor versus utility roles, and educational qualifications, with a PhD or specialized certifications significantly boosting earning potential. To maximize pay in Reston’s competitive landscape, engineers should consider further education, pursue roles in lucrative sectors, and explore companies that offer equity or performance bonuses to enhance their overall compensation.
More salary data for Reston, 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 $106,525 for electrical engineersin the Reston 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 Reston 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