Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Hazleton, PA: $65,275 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Hazleton, PA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,275 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hazleton's local price level (BEA RPP 97.4 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,017 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($105,715) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Salaries for entry-level electrical engineers in Hazleton, PA, can yield intriguing insights for new graduates entering the workforce in 2026. With a starting salary projected at $65,275, fresh graduates should be prepared for a considerable gap compared to the city's median of $105,715. As they acquire experience over the first three to five years, entry-level individuals can realistically expect their earnings to rise through the P25 figure of $85,367, which suggests a steady growth trajectory as they settle into their roles. Given the steady 3.65% annual growth rate projected for this profession, Hazleton appears to be a promising setting for new graduates eager to establish their careers in electrical engineering.
About the Hazleton Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hazleton
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 Hazleton
Entry-level electrical engineers in Hazleton, PA typically start between $65,275 and $85,367 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $94,222 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $105,715 — 15.45% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Pennsylvania of $82,000 represents just 125.62% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($65,275/year) in Hazleton. 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 Hazleton
- 1Research the Hazleton market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $65,275 to $85,367, 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 PA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hazleton, 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 Hazleton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hazleton'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 Hazleton is $94,222 ( 144.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,275, experienced hygienists can earn up to $159,497.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,845
2025 BLS Actual
$62,976
2026 Current Est.
$65,275
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Hazleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,845 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,367 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,302 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,869 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,028 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,929 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,976 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,275 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,657 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Hazleton, PA grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,845 in 2019 to $62,976 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,657. New graduates entering the Hazleton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hazleton 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 Hazleton
Opportunities for new electrical engineers in Hazleton largely stem from the local demand for skilled professionals, particularly in sectors like utilities and defense contracting. Notably, large firms in the semiconductor industry such as Apple and Intel primarily recruit seasoned candidates, yet they also value fresh talent for roles that may grow into high-paying positions within chip design. For entry-level engineers, obtaining credentials such as the Engineer in Training (EIT) designation through the FE exam can set the stage for upward mobility. Moreover, securing a Professional Engineer (PE) license after four years of supervised experience can further enhance starting pay in PA. For those interested in defense work, having a security clearance significantly boosts earning potential. Realistic salary growth for new graduates in their first three years can range from approximately 15-20% annually, particularly for those who strategically align themselves with high-demand industries and pursue additional certifications or advanced degrees in electrical engineering disciplines.
More salary data for Hazleton, PA:
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 Hazleton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hazleton 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