Electrical Engineer Salary in Tacoma, WA: $142,903 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Tacoma, WA earns a median $142,903/year (≈ $68.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Tacoma's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $133,057 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.4% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With expectations for 2026, the electrical engineer salary in Tacoma stands at a remarkable $142,903, exceeding the national median of $125,033 by a noteworthy 14.29%. The projected salary range stretches from $88,535 at the lower end to $221,500 for the highest earners, while local estimates derived from BLS state-level data reflect adjustments for the cost of living in the Tacoma area. Given that Tacoma's job market includes opportunities requiring security clearance, the allure of higher compensation arises not just from industry demand but also from the premium associated with cleared positions, particularly within defense and technology sectors.
About the Tacoma Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,535 | $42.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,050 | $51.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $142,903 | $68.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $182,916 | $87.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $221,500 | $106.49 |
Median Salary Position
14.29% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tacoma
In Tacoma, WA, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $132,965 (2026 est.). At $142,903, the local median is 14.29% above the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tacoma: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tacoma Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Tacoma median: $142,903/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tacoma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $126,017 | +13.40% more |
| National Average | $125,033 | +14.29% more |
Electrical Engineers in Tacoma, WA earn a median of $142,903 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.29% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 13.40% above the Washington state average of $126,017.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tacoma has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tacoma, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $142,903 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $133,057 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$112,612
2025 BLS Actual
$137,871
2026 Current Est.
$142,903
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,612 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,241 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,772 | Actual |
| 2022 | $118,087 | Actual |
| 2023 | $122,236 | Actual |
| 2024 | $143,585 | Actual |
| 2025 | $137,871 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $142,903 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $148,119 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tacoma metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $112,612 (2019) to $137,871 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $148,119 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,507 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tacoma 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) | $88,535 – $108,050 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,050 – $142,903 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $142,903 – $182,916 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $182,916 – $221,500 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Tacoma
The electrical engineering profession in Tacoma remains robust, with 56 engineers employed locally. Despite a cost-of-living index of 107.4, which indicates a slightly higher living expense than the national average, professionals can still find substantial purchasing power. Major employers like Lockheed Martin, Intel, and Apple are known for their competitive salaries, especially for roles in semiconductor design and cleared positions. Factors influencing the substantial pay variations include the necessity for higher education credentials—such as a PhD in semiconductor fields versus a bachelor’s for utility power system roles—as well as the expected proficiency level (entry-level vs. experienced). Strategies to maximize pay in Tacoma could involve pursuing advancement toward PE licensure, exploring opportunities within the semiconductor industry, or transitioning into tech-centric roles which generally provide superior compensation compared to traditional utilities or more general engineering firms.
More salary data for Tacoma, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can electrical engineers make $100K in Tacoma?
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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 $137,871 for electrical engineersin the Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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