Electrical Engineer Salary in Pittsburgh, PA: $105,705 (2024)
Official 2024 BLS Data | $50.82/hour | $66,709 - $151,300 range
Median Annual Salary
$105,705
Hourly Rate
$50.82
/hour
Jobs in Area
364
employed
Compare to Other Cities
See All →Pittsburgh, PA
$105,705
San Jose, CA
$158,055
in San Jose, CA
Electrical Engineer Salary Range in Pittsburgh, PA
Annual Salary Range
$67k
10th percentile
$88k
25th
$127k
75th
$151k
90th percentile
Salary Breakdown by Percentile
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $66,709 | $32.07 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,619 | $42.12 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $105,705 | $50.82 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,740 | $60.93 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $151,300 | $72.74 |
| Average (Mean) | $115,449 | $55.50 |
Electrical Engineer Market Insights for Pittsburgh, PA
Compensation Overview
Electrical Engineer compensation in Pittsburgh, PA aligns with regional expectations. The salary range from $66,709 to $151,300 provides a clear picture of earning potential at different career stages.
Local Market Context
Pittsburgh, PA offers competitive compensation that aligns closely with national benchmarks. The Pennsylvania economy supports a diverse range of industries, providing stable employment opportunities across multiple sectors.
Career Outlook
The Electrical Engineer profession offers diverse career opportunities across industries. Professional development and continuous learning are key factors in advancing within this field. With a 127% salary range from entry-level to top earners, there is substantial room for financial growth as you advance in your career.
Tips for Increasing Your Salary
- •Develop specialized expertise to command higher compensation—top earners make 43% more than median salaries
- •Build a professional network through industry associations and local business groups
- •Pursue relevant certifications or advanced education to demonstrate expertise
-7%
vs National Avg
-12%
vs State Avg
127%
Salary Range
364
Jobs in Area
Career Path & Salary Progression
Typical Electrical Engineer salary growth in Pittsburgh, PA based on experience level.
Entry Level
0-2 years10th percentile
$66,709
/year
Early Career
2-5 years25th percentile
$87,619
/year
Mid Career
5-10 years50th percentile
$105,705
/year
Senior
10-15 years75th percentile
$126,740
/year
Expert
15+ years90th percentile
$151,300
/year
Note: Career progression and salary growth vary based on company size, industry, skills, and performance. These estimates use percentile data from the BLS as a general guide for typical career paths.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Pittsburgh, PA
Where Electrical Engineers Work
Electrical Engineers work across multiple industries including corporations, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and consulting firms. Each sector offers different compensation structures and career trajectories.
Local Employment Landscape
Employment in this occupation is more limited in Pittsburgh, PA compared to larger metros. Professionals may find opportunities concentrated among fewer employers, making employer research and networking particularly valuable.
Types of Employers Hiring
Large Corporations
Typically offer comprehensive benefits, structured advancement, and competitive base salaries with bonus potential
Small to Medium Businesses
May provide more responsibility earlier in your career, flexible work arrangements, and equity opportunities
Government Agencies
Known for job security, excellent benefits packages, pension plans, and work-life balance
Professional Services Firms
Provide client exposure, rapid skill development, and often above-market compensation for top performers
Skills That Increase Earning Potential
Job Search Strategy for Pittsburgh, PA
- •Research major employers in the Pittsburgh area and follow them on LinkedIn for job alerts
- •Join local professional associations for networking and job leads specific to Pennsylvania
- •Tailor your salary expectations based on the Pittsburgh, PA market rate of $105,705
- •Consider roles at varying experience levels—entry positions start at $66,709 in this market
Frequently Asked Questions
The median electrical engineer salary in Pittsburgh, PA is $105,705 per year ($50.82/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $66,709 for entry-level positions to $151,300 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.
Entry-level electrical engineers in Pittsburgh, PA typically start at around $66,709 per year ($32.07/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $105,705 within 3-5 years.
Electrical Engineers in Pittsburgh, PA earn a median hourly wage of $50.82 per hour. Hourly rates range from $32.07/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $72.74/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $66,709 and $151,300.
The median electrical engineer salary of $105,705 in Pittsburgh, PA is slightly below the national median of $113,450 (6.8% lower). The cost of living is also 7% below average. This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of electrical engineers in the area earn more and half earn less.
Electrical Engineers in Pittsburgh, PA earn slightly below the national average. The local median salary of $105,705 is 6.8% lower than the national median of $113,450. The cost of living is also 7% below average. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $113,175.
The top 10% of electrical engineers in Pittsburgh, PA earn $151,300 or more per year ($72.74/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $126,740, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.
Key skills that can boost electrical engineer salary in Pittsburgh, PA include: Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, Problem-solving and critical thinking, Technical proficiency relevant to the field, Attention to detail and organizational skills. Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $105,705, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($126,740) or higher. Years of relevant experience
Pittsburgh, PA has a specialized job market for electrical engineers, with approximately 364 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $105,705 is slightly below the national average. The cost of living is also 7% below average. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.
Compare your electrical engineer salary to these Pittsburgh, PA benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $66,709, 25th percentile: $87,619, 50th percentile (median): $105,705, 75th percentile: $126,740, 90th percentile (top earners): $151,300. If you earn more than $105,705, you're above average for the area.
Beyond the $105,705 median base salary, electrical engineers in Pittsburgh, PA typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.
Experienced electrical engineers with 5-10 years in Pittsburgh, PA typically earn $126,740 (75th percentile) to $151,300 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $151,300. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $105,705.
Electrical Engineers in Pittsburgh, PA can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($66,709) to median ($105,705) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($151,300) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $84,591 over a career.
Data Source & Methodology
Official government statistics you can trust
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Program
Visit Official BLS WebsiteData Year
2024
2 Years Old
Geographic Area
Pittsburgh
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Occupation Code
17-2071
SOC Classification
Sample Size
364
Employees Surveyed
How This Data Is Collected
The OEWS program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations across all metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Approximately 1.1 million establishments are surveyed over a three-year period, representing the most comprehensive wage data available for the U.S. labor market.
Note: Percentile wages represent actual reported wages and may differ from individual compensation packages that include benefits, bonuses, and equity.
Last updated: January 23, 2026
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Electrical Engineer in Pittsburgh, PA
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Median: $105,705/yr
How Pittsburgh, PA Compares
vs National Average
$113,450
vs Pennsylvania Average
$119,890
Cost-of-Living Adjusted
$113,175
Cost of living in Pittsburgh, PA is 6.6% below the national average.
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