Electrical Engineer Salary in Fairmont, WV: $111,741 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Fairmont, WV earns a median $111,741/year (≈ $53.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Fairmont's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.5), that paycheck buys what $129,180 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.9% below the West Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, an electrical engineer in Fairmont, West Virginia, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $111,741. This figure reflects local estimates and is adjusted for the region's cost of living, which is notably below the national average. Salaries in this field range significantly from $78,714 at the 10th percentile to $161,174 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a diverse spectrum of pay dependent on experience and specialization. The local job market's focus on industries such as semiconductor and chip design, defense contracting, and utility power systems significantly influences these figures, indicating distinct pathways for career advancement and compensation based on one’s technical expertise and employer type.
About the Fairmont Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,714 | $37.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,213 | $43.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $111,741 | $53.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $138,273 | $66.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $161,174 | $77.49 |
Median Salary Position
10.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairmont
In Fairmont, WV, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $82,460 (2026 est.). At $111,741, the local median is 10.63% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairmont: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairmont Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Fairmont median: $111,741/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairmont Pays |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia Average | $120,022 | -6.90% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | -10.63% less |
Electrical Engineers in Fairmont, WV earn a median of $111,741 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.63% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 6.90% below the West Virginia state average of $120,022.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairmont has a cost of living 13.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairmont, WV has a cost-of-living index of 86.5 (below the national average of 100). A electrical engineer earning $111,741 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $129,180 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$88,055
2025 BLS Actual
$107,806
2026 Current Est.
$111,741
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Fairmont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,055 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,111 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,744 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,336 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,580 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,054 | Actual |
| 2025 | $107,806 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $111,741 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $115,819 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairmont metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $88,055 (2019) to $107,806 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $115,819 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,764 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairmont 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) | $78,714 – $90,213 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,213 – $111,741 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $111,741 – $138,273 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $138,273 – $161,174 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Fairmont
With only four electrical engineers working in Fairmont, the competitive landscape is quite narrow. The cost-of-living index of 86.5 suggests that engineers' purchasing power may be relatively favorable compared to larger cities. Among potential employers, companies in the semiconductor sector—like those focused on high-tech design—tend to offer the most substantial compensation, while defense contractors also provide lucrative opportunities for those with the necessary security clearances. The variance in salaries arises from different industry demands and the educational qualifications of the workforce. For maximum salary potential in Fairmont, pursuing roles within the semiconductor industry or obtaining a security clearance can yield higher returns, along with considering the implications of choosing between technical and managerial career tracks. It's essential for engineers to stay informed about industry trends to optimize their earning potential in this unique market.
More salary data for Fairmont, WV:
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 $107,806 for electrical engineersin the Fairmont 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 Fairmont 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