Richmond vs Winchester: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Richmond, VA and Winchester, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Winchester, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $121,022▲ | $106,965 |
| Hourly Rate | $58.19▲ | $51.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,677▲ | $70,563 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,686▲ | $83,280 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,901▲ | $132,820 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,125▲ | $156,121 |
| Total Employed | 1,160▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Winchester.
The salary gap between Richmond and Winchester is $14,057 (13.14%). Richmond's median is -3.21% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $81,448,Winchester spans $85,558. Winchester 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, Richmond ($123,671 effective) pays 19.32% more than Winchester ($103,648 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($121,022/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($165,125)
- ✓Larger job market (1,160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $123,671)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Winchester if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Richmond grew 19.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.3% growth in Winchester over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$97,440 (2019) → $116,760 (2025)
Winchester, VA
$95,300 (2021) → $103,198 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Winchester, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Richmond or Winchester?
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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
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