Senior Electrical Engineer Salary in Burlington, IA: $151,543 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of electrical engineers working in Burlington, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $151,543/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2071. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $167,636 in average-cost America. The 44% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The earning potential for experienced electrical engineers in Burlington, IA, is notable, particularly for those at the top of their profession. In 2026, the projected top electrical engineer salary Burlington can reach up to $151,543, with a significant benchmark at the 75th percentile paying around $130,023. This reflects a considerable experience premium, where the median annual salary of $105,097 showcases a substantial gap between average and elite compensation. Achieving this level of pay typically requires a blend of advanced technical expertise, often in specialized fields, along with a demonstrated record of leadership and innovation in complex projects.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced electrical engineers at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $130,023 and $151,543 per year (2026 est.). This $81,272 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $105,097 sits 15.94% below the US median.
Top EE Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $105,097 | $125,033 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,023 | $158,533 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $151,543 | $191,027 |
In Burlington, experienced electrical engineers (P90) earn 44.19% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Electrical Engineer Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA electrical engineers with additional specialty certifications within the electrical engineering field earn significantly above the $105,097 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Electrical Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the electrical engineering field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $130,023–$151,543 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced electrical engineers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured electrical engineers in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Electrical Engineers in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Electrical Engineer Career & Wage Growth Path in Burlington
Clinical Electrical Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Electrical Engineer
5-10 yearsElectrical Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #18 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner electrical engineer salary (90th percentile: $151,543).
Top 10% electrical engineer compensation in Burlington ($151,543) is 6.97% below the Iowa average P90 ($162,889).
2019 BLS Actual
$123,660
2025 BLS Actual
$146,206
2026 Current Est.
$151,543
2019–2027 Growth
+27.0%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $123,660 | Actual |
| 2020 | $126,548 | Actual |
| 2021 | $129,253 | Actual |
| 2022 | $132,458 | Actual |
| 2023 | $136,488 | Actual |
| 2024 | $130,998 | Actual |
| 2025 | $146,206 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $151,543 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $157,074 | Projected |
Top-earning electrical engineers (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 18.2% from $123,660 in 2019 to $146,206 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.65% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $157,074 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Maximizing Your Electrical Engineer Earnings in Burlington
Senior electrical engineers in Burlington command premium salaries based on specializations that are particularly in demand. Expertise in areas such as semiconductor processing, power systems, and RF/microwave design not only elevates one’s standing but can also lead to lucrative positions at top tech companies like Intel or Apple, as well as influential roles in defense contracting with firms such as Lockheed Martin. Compensation can vary significantly depending on the employer type; tech firms generally offer higher salaries compared to the utility sector, which, while stable, provides compensation that's lower on average. Career advancement opportunities abound, ranging from progression to roles like principal engineer or director of engineering to leadership in the utility operations realm. Obtaining advanced credentials, such as a PE license or a master’s in a specialized field, can further enhance earning potential. Additionally, engineers with security clearances in defense roles may receive substantial premiums, demonstrating the impact of specialized skills on senior electrical engineer pay IA.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced electrical engineers make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher electrical engineer pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost electrical engineer salary in Burlington?
Can experienced electrical engineers make six figures in Burlington?
How much does electrical engineer salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $146,206 for electrical engineers in the Burlington metro area. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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