Electrical Engineer Salary in Ellensburg, WA: $120,244 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Ellensburg, WA earns a median $120,244/year (≈ $57.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Ellensburg's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $111,959 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, electrical engineer salaries in Ellensburg, Washington are projected to reach a median of $120,244, which is slightly below the national median of $125,033. The full salary range for this role spans from $79,563 at the 10th percentile to $171,884 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse job market with varying levels of compensation based on experience and industry. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data adjusted for local economic conditions, indicate that Ellensburg's electrical engineering sector offers competitive salaries, particularly for those holding relevant credentials and experience. The local job market presents opportunities that may attract talent searching for positions with security clearance, given the area's potential demand for cleared engineering roles.
About the Ellensburg Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,563 | $38.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $93,339 | $44.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $120,244 | $57.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $147,833 | $71.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $171,884 | $82.64 |
Median Salary Position
3.83% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ellensburg
In Ellensburg, WA, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $92,321 (2026 est.). At $120,244, the local median is 3.83% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ellensburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ellensburg Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Ellensburg median: $120,244/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ellensburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $126,042 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | -3.83% less |
Electrical Engineers in Ellensburg, WA earn a median of $120,244 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.83% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 4.60% below the Washington state average of $126,042.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ellensburg has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ellensburg, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $120,244 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $111,959 — a 6.89% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$94,756
2025 BLS Actual
$116,010
2026 Current Est.
$120,244
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Ellensburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,756 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,968 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,574 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,363 | Actual |
| 2023 | $102,854 | Actual |
| 2024 | $135,240 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,010 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $120,244 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124,633 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ellensburg metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $94,756 (2019) to $116,010 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $124,633 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,877 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ellensburg 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) | $79,563 – $93,339 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $93,339 – $120,244 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $120,244 – $147,833 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $147,833 – $171,884 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Ellensburg
With only six electrical engineers currently employed in Ellensburg, competition for positions may be limited, yet it also suggests a niche market for specialized skills. The cost of living index at 107.4 indicates that daily expenses are slightly above the national average, which may influence take-home purchasing power for engineers. Top employers in the area could include tech companies engaged in semiconductor design and defense contractors that often require security clearances. The significant salary spread in Ellensburg is driven by factors such as industry demand—where semiconductor and defense roles usually provide higher pay compared to traditional utility and power systems jobs—and individual credentials. To maximize earning potential, electrical engineers in Ellensburg should consider positions that offer not only competitive salaries but also the value of benefits associated with industry leaders or roles requiring advanced degrees and certifications.
More salary data for Ellensburg, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electrical engineers make in Ellensburg, WA in 2026?
Is Ellensburg, WA a good place to work as a electrical engineer?
Can electrical engineers make $100K in Ellensburg?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted electrical engineer salary in Ellensburg?
How much does a electrical engineer make per hour in Ellensburg?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 $116,010 for electrical engineersin the Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg 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