Electrical Engineer Salary in Kent, WA: $125,827 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Kent, WA earns a median $125,827/year (≈ $60.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Kent's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $117,157 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the electrical engineer salary in Kent, Washington, is projected to reach a median of $125,827, slightly above the national median of $125,033. This reflects a dynamic job market where professionals may earn between $81,369 at the low end (P10) and $195,032 at the high end (P90). Estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments highlight the diverse sectors within Kent. Those specializing in semiconductor or chip design tend to command the highest pay, followed by roles within defense contractors and utility power systems. As companies like Apple, Intel, and Nvidia drive demand in tech, prospective electrical engineers should consider immersing themselves in these high-paying sectors for optimal career advancement.
About the Kent Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,369 | $39.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,281 | $46.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $125,827 | $60.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $161,059 | $77.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $195,032 | $93.76 |
Median Salary Position
0.64% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kent
In Kent, WA, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $113,663 (2026 est.). At $125,827, the local median is 0.64% above the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kent: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kent Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Kent median: $125,827/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kent Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $126,079 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | +0.64% more |
Electrical Engineers in Kent, WA earn a median of $125,827 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.64% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 0.20% below the Washington state average of $126,079.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kent has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kent, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $125,827 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $117,157 — 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
$99,156
2025 BLS Actual
$121,396
2026 Current Est.
$125,827
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Kent (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,156 | Actual |
| 2020 | $101,470 | Actual |
| 2021 | $101,058 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,976 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,629 | Actual |
| 2024 | $141,519 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,396 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,827 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $130,420 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kent metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $99,156 (2019) to $121,396 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $130,420 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,264 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kent 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) | $81,369 – $97,281 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,281 – $125,827 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $125,827 – $161,059 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $161,059 – $195,032 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Kent
The local job market comprises 33 electrical engineers currently employed in Kent, WA, a figure that suggests a tight-knit professional community. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, compensation in the area provides a somewhat elevated living expense, emphasizing the importance of robust salary negotiations. Companies such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Tesla are among those that offer attractive employment opportunities, reflecting how specialization impacts earnings. Employers in the semiconductor industry often provide significant pay premiums, while utility and power system positions often lag in cash compensation despite offering long-term stability and benefits. The variance in pay highlights the impact of industry focus, security clearances, and level of education across the engineering fields. Aspiring electrical engineers should consider pursuing advanced qualifications like a PhD or obtaining professional engineering licenses to enhance their marketability and increase their earning potential in this burgeoning Kent market.
More salary data for Kent, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electrical engineers make in Kent, WA in 2026?
Is Kent, WA a good place to work as a electrical engineer?
Can electrical engineers make $100K in Kent?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted electrical engineer salary in Kent?
How much does a electrical engineer make per hour in Kent?
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 $121,396 for electrical engineersin the Kent 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 Kent 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