Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Andover, MN: $81,709 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Andover, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $81,709 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Andover's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $82,953 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($118,684) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduating with a degree in electrical engineering opens various opportunities in Andover, Minnesota, where the projected starting electrical engineer salary is set at $81,709 in 2026. This figure reflects the income gap when compared to the city's median salary of $118,684, which indicates that entry-level positions still have room for growth as one gains experience in the field. New graduates can anticipate a progressive trajectory, moving from the starting range up towards the 25th percentile at $94,835 within the first few years. For those considering their career options, Andover represents a viable market for fresh talent, particularly in the context of its competitive salary offerings and the regional growth rate of 3.65% in engineering roles.
About the Andover Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Andover
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Andover
Entry-level electrical engineers in Andover, MN typically start between $81,709 and $94,835 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $95,753 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $118,684 — 5.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Minnesota of $62,000 represents just 75.88% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($81,709/year) in Andover. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover ABET-accredited undergraduate electrical engineering programs at public and private universities. Many electrical engineers pursue master's degrees or specialization in power, controls, or electronics.
EE Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Andover
- 1Research the Andover market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $81,709 to $94,835, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the electrical engineering field — employers in MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Andover, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Andover for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Andover's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Electrical Engineer Compensation Range
The electrical engineer wage spread in Andover is $95,753 ( 117.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $81,709, experienced hygienists can earn up to $177,462.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$64,899
2025 BLS Actual
$78,832
2026 Current Est.
$81,709
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Andover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,899 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,804 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,219 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,432 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,386 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,826 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,832 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,709 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,692 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Andover, MN grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $64,899 in 2019 to $78,832 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,692. New graduates entering the Andover job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Andover 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.
Starting Your electrical engineering Career in Andover
In Andover, various employers are on the lookout for entry-level talent in electrical engineering, though the focus may depend heavily on one's specialization and credentials. Top tech companies, including Apple, Nvidia, AMD, and Intel, actively recruit new graduates for chip design and semiconductor roles, often favoring candidates with advanced degrees. Defense contractors like Lockheed and Northrop generally seek engineers through established internship pathways for cleared positions, while local utilities can provide stability albeit with lower starting pay relative to tech opportunities. To maximize initial earning potential, obtaining a Bachelor's from an ABET-accredited program and passing the FE exam during the senior year to earn EIT status is crucial. Though starting salaries may seem modest, strategic career moves in the early years, such as pursuing security clearance for defense roles or considering a Master's degree for chip design, can propel future earnings significantly, strengthening one's position in a dynamic job market.
More salary data for Andover, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new electrical engineering graduates. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Andover. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Andover 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