Austin vs St. Cloud: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Austin, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,486 | $122,253▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $56.00 | $58.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,664 | $73,534▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,878 | $97,558▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $144,378 | $153,336▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,017 | $189,492▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 12▲ |
Verdict
St. Cloud, MN offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Austin and St. Cloud is $5,767 (4.95%). St. Cloud's median is -2.22% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $97,353,St. Cloud spans $115,958. St. Cloud has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Cloud ($124,115 effective) pays 4.95% more than Austin ($118,260 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($122,253/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($189,492)
- ✓Larger job market (12 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $124,115)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Austin grew 4.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.9% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Austin, MN
$107,139 (2024) → $112,384 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$115,760 (2020) → $117,948 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Austin or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Austin to St. Cloud as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Austin vs St. Cloud?
Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov