Electrical Engineer Salary in Wheeling, WV: $120,079 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Wheeling, WV earns a median $120,079/year (≈ $57.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Wheeling's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 88.3), that paycheck buys what $135,954 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the West Virginia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wheeling, West Virginia, the financial compensation for electrical engineers is projected to reflect a competitive landscape with a median annual salary of $120,079, slightly below the national average of $125,033. The salary distribution showcases a range spanning from $88,818 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $167,550 at the 90th percentile. This data, drawn from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected to 2026, indicates the potential for robust earnings based on experience and expertise. As the demand for qualified professionals in this sector continues to grow, specifically in industries that value security clearances and advanced degrees, Wheeling's job market remains poised for further elevation in electrical engineering roles.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $88,818 | $42.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,287 | $48.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $120,079 | $57.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $142,229 | $68.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $167,550 | $80.56 |
Median Salary Position
3.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheeling
In Wheeling, WV, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $78,732 (2026 est.). At $120,079, the local median is 3.96% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wheeling: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wheeling Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Wheeling median: $120,079/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheeling Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $125,033 | -3.96% less |
Electrical Engineers in Wheeling, WV earn a median of $120,079 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.96% lower than the national median of $125,033.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheeling has a cost of living 11.68% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wheeling, WV has a cost-of-living index of 88.323 (below the national average of 100). A electrical engineer earning $120,079 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $135,954 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.22% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,760
2025 BLS Actual
$115,850
2026 Current Est.
$120,079
2019–2027 Growth
+45.1%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Wheeling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,760 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,880 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,250 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,730 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,600 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,870 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,850 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $120,079 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124,461 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheeling metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 35.1% from $85,760 (2019) to $115,850 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $124,461 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,701 (45.13%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheeling 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) | $88,818 – $101,287 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,287 – $120,079 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $120,079 – $142,229 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $142,229 – $167,550 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Wheeling
With around 50 electrical engineers currently employed in Wheeling, the local job market is characterized by a cost of living index of 88.323, suggesting that salaries afford a favorable purchasing power compared to other areas. While the semiconductor industry often dictates higher salaries for electrical engineers, especially at companies like Apple and AMD, local defense contractors may provide comparable pay for those with security clearances, reflecting the importance of such credentials. Employers in Wheeling are likely to prioritize candidates with advanced degrees or relevant experience, which creates a spectrum of compensation varying based on industry and the academic tier of engineers. For those looking to maximize their pay, pursuing roles in semiconductor design or defense, gaining security clearances, and deciding between an individual contributor track versus management positions are key strategies to enhance their earning potential in Wheeling, WV.
More salary data for Wheeling, 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 $115,850 for electrical engineersin the Wheeling 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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