Senior Electrical Engineer Salary in Akron, OH: $154,459 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of electrical engineers working in Akron, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $154,459/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2071. Strip back Akron's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $165,427 in average-cost America. The 50% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Senior electrical engineers in Akron, Ohio can expect to earn a median annual salary of $102,987 in 2026, with the potential to reach impressive figures like $154,459 at the top percentile. This top electrical engineer salary in Akron not only highlights the experience premium that comes with years of expertise but also illustrates the considerable gap between average earnings and those at the pinnacle of the profession. In a market where advanced technical skills and leadership capabilities are often crucial for advancement, cultivating specializations in high-demand areas can further enhance earning potential. Reaching this level of compensation typically requires a deep knowledge of systems and technologies, along with a track record of successful project execution, thus affirming that senior roles are reserved for those who excel in their craft.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Akron
Experienced electrical engineers at the top of the pay scale in Akron earn between $128,215 and $154,459 per year (2026 est.). This $73,177 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Akron median of $102,987 sits 17.63% below the US median.
Top EE Salary Comparison
| Level | Akron | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $102,987 | $125,033 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,215 | $158,533 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $154,459 | $191,027 |
In Akron, experienced electrical engineers (P90) earn 49.98% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Electrical Engineer Pay in Akron
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH electrical engineers with additional specialty certifications within the electrical engineering field earn significantly above the $102,987 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Akron employers.
Specialty Focus
Electrical Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the electrical engineering field in Akron command premium compensation, often reaching the $128,215–$154,459 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Akron metro area, which is a large EE employment market, often pay above-market rates for experienced electrical engineers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured electrical engineers in Akron with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Electrical Engineers in Ohio 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 Akron
Clinical Electrical Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Electrical Engineer
5-10 yearsElectrical Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAkron ranks #12 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner electrical engineer salary (90th percentile: $154,459).
Top 10% electrical engineer compensation in Akron ($154,459) is 0.94% above the Ohio average P90 ($153,021).
2019 BLS Actual
$124,180
2025 BLS Actual
$149,020
2026 Current Est.
$154,459
2019–2027 Growth
+28.9%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Akron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $124,180 | Actual |
| 2020 | $127,810 | Actual |
| 2021 | $130,280 | Actual |
| 2022 | $133,870 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,040 | Actual |
| 2024 | $139,270 | Actual |
| 2025 | $149,020 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $154,459 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $160,097 | Projected |
Top-earning electrical engineers (90th percentile) in Akron saw their compensation grow 20.0% from $124,180 in 2019 to $149,020 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 $160,097 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Akron 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 Akron
Compensation for senior electrical engineers varies notably based on industry specialization and employer type in Akron. Fields like analog and digital circuit design, RF/microwave systems, and power electronics command higher salaries, particularly in top-tier sectors such as semiconductors and automotive engineering. Major tech firms including Apple and Nvidia consistently offer premium pay, while positions involving security clearance within defense contractors provide financial incentives to qualified professionals. This position also opens up multiple career advancement paths; engineers may progress from design roles to higher-level managerial positions or senior technical roles. Earning advanced credentials, such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license or pursuing a Master's degree, can boost marketability and income potential. Moreover, senior-level engineers often benefit from non-salary compensation, which can include stock options at leading tech firms and other perks that add significant value beyond base pay. Overall, the nuanced landscape of senior electrical engineer pay in Ohio reflects not only individual skill but also the strategic selection of industry and career trajectory.
More salary data for Akron, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced electrical engineers make in Akron in 2026?
What drives higher electrical engineer pay in Akron?
What certifications boost electrical engineer salary in Akron?
Can experienced electrical engineers make six figures in Akron?
How much does electrical engineer salary increase over time in Akron?
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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 $149,020 for electrical engineers in the Akron 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
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