Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Johnstown, PA: $76,121 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Johnstown, PA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,121 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Johnstown's local price level (BEA RPP 85.9 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $88,586 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($122,805) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Johnstown, Pennsylvania, new graduates entering the electrical engineering field can expect a starting salary of around $76,121 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the median salary of $122,805 for all electrical engineers in the area. This initial pay reflects the entry-level nature of the position, but with dedication and experience, early-career professionals can advance along a growth trajectory that may lead them to approximately $89,823 within a few years. Given the relatively low cost of living in Johnstown, which operates on an index of 85.929, this entry-level electrical engineer salary can provide a solid foundation for recent graduates. Overall, the job market appears favorable, with the annual growth rate for electrical engineering jobs projected at 3.65%, suggesting ample opportunities for upward movement and salary enhancement in the coming years.
Career Earnings Timeline in Johnstown
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 Johnstown
Entry-level electrical engineers in Johnstown, PA typically start between $76,121 and $89,823 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $95,482 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $122,805 — 1.78% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in Pennsylvania of $82,000 represents just 107.72% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($76,121/year) in Johnstown. 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 Johnstown
- 1Research the Johnstown market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $76,121 to $89,823, 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 Johnstown, 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 Johnstown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Johnstown's below-average 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 Johnstown is $95,482 ( 125.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,121, experienced hygienists can earn up to $171,603.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,460
2025 BLS Actual
$73,440
2026 Current Est.
$76,121
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Johnstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,460 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,235 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,560 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,690 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,504 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,167 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,440 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,121 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,899 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Johnstown, PA grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,460 in 2019 to $73,440 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,899. New graduates entering the Johnstown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnstown 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 Johnstown
Employers in Johnstown seeking fresh talent include a diverse range of sectors, from semiconductor manufacturers like Apple and Nvidia to defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. These companies often target candidates with specific credentials like a Bachelor’s in electrical engineering from an ABET-accredited program, along with the FE exam completed during senior year for EIT status. Although the rapidly growing semiconductor industry commands the highest pay tiers, opportunities in utilities and defense also provide considerable benefits such as stability and pension plans, albeit at lower starting salaries. Graduates keen on enhancing their earning potential may consider further education or obtaining a PE license, especially given that roles requiring security clearance in the defense sector often come with a premium pay rate. For those in the first few years of their careers, pursuing certifications and actively engaging with institutions like the IEEE can foster professional growth and networking, positioning them favorably in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Johnstown, 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 Johnstown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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