Electrical Engineer Salary in Tukwila, WA: $116,510 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Tukwila, WA earns a median $116,510/year (≈ $56.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Tukwila's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $108,482 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tukwila, Washington, the electrical engineer salary is projected to reach a median of $116,510 for 2026, which is slightly lower than the national average of $125,033. The salary range for professionals in this field varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at $80,757 and experienced roles earning up to $166,598. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, place Tukwila among competitive locales for electrical engineers. A unique aspect of this market is the presence of multiple industries—ranging from semiconductor and chip design to utilities and defense—each offering different compensation structures that reflect their specific demands and workforce requirements.
About the Tukwila Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,757 | $38.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,475 | $43.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $116,510 | $56.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $143,274 | $68.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $166,598 | $80.09 |
Median Salary Position
6.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tukwila
In Tukwila, WA, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $85,841 (2026 est.). At $116,510, the local median is 6.82% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tukwila: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tukwila Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Tukwila median: $116,510/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tukwila Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $126,093 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | -6.82% less |
Electrical Engineers in Tukwila, WA earn a median of $116,510 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.82% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 7.60% below the Washington state average of $126,093.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tukwila has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tukwila, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $116,510 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $108,482 — 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
$91,813
2025 BLS Actual
$112,407
2026 Current Est.
$116,510
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Tukwila (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $91,813 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,957 | Actual |
| 2021 | $93,575 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,277 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $131,039 | Actual |
| 2025 | $112,407 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $116,510 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $120,762 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tukwila metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $91,813 (2019) to $112,407 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $120,762 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,949 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tukwila 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) | $80,757 – $90,475 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,475 – $116,510 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $116,510 – $143,274 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $143,274 – $166,598 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Tukwila
Despite the attractive median salary, the cost of living in Tukwila is slightly above the national average, with a cost-of-living index of 107.4, which can impact overall purchasing power. Currently, there are only four electrical engineers employed in this area, indicating a relatively niche job market. Leading employers such as Apple, Intel, and Nvidia offer salaries at the higher end of the scale, particularly for roles focused on semiconductor technology. The spread between low and high salaries can largely be attributed to industry specialization, security clearance requirements, and educational qualifications like a PhD versus a bachelor’s degree. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Tukwila, pursuing advanced certifications, gaining relevant experience in high-demand sectors, and considering opportunities that leverage security clearances can significantly improve overall compensation.
More salary data for Tukwila, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electrical engineers make in Tukwila, WA in 2026?
Is Tukwila, WA a good place to work as a electrical engineer?
Can electrical engineers make $100K in Tukwila?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted electrical engineer salary in Tukwila?
How much does a electrical engineer make per hour in Tukwila?
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 $112,407 for electrical engineersin the Tukwila 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 Tukwila 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