Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in McLean, VA: $53.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in McLean, VA runs $53.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $110,530 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against McLean's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,320 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the electrical engineer hourly pay in McLean, Virginia, is projected to be $53.14, which falls below the national median of $60.11. This rate is significant for professionals who may work part-time, such as those seeking a balanced schedule with 3 days a week, since this could provide a manageable workload while still yielding a respectable income. Per-diem electrical engineers often find themselves in specialized environments like semiconductor fabs or defense contractor settings, where the skills associated with advanced planning and design come into play. The hourly pay range spans from $33.53 for entry-level positions up to $77.64 for seasoned experts, reflecting the diverse expertise within the local engineering community.
About the McLean Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.53 | $268.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.25 | $321.98 |
| Median (P50) | $53.14 | $425.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.04 | $528.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.64 | $621.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McLean
Based on $53.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.14/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McLean, VA can expect to earn approximately $110,534 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,770. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in McLean.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McLean
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,125.65 | $9,211 | $110,534 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,275.39 | $5,527 | $66,320 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $850.26 | $3,684 | $44,214 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (McLean) | $53.14 |
| Mechanical Engineer (National Avg) | $48.61 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer (National Avg) | $69.00 |
| Electronics Engineer (National Avg) | $58.25 |
| Electrical Engineering Technician (National Avg) | $35.08 |
Electrical Engineers in McLean, VA earn a median of $110,530 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.60% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 2.10% below the Virginia state average of $112,901.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.14/hr = $66,320/year (purchasing power: $64,264).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $110,534/year (purchasing power: $107,107).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in McLean (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in McLean grew 22.4% from $41.88/hr (2019) to $51.27/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.08/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem electrical engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the McLean 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.
Working as an Hourly Electrical Engineer in McLean
In terms of annual earnings potential, an electrical engineer in McLean working part-time for 24 hours a week can expect to take home a markedly different income when compared to full-time counterparts. While part-timers enjoy flexibility, per-diem arrangements significantly enhance earnings, with rates often billed at $90-$170 per hour, especially in defense contracting where security clearance draws premium rates of $150-$280 per hour. Specialized roles, particularly in chip design or as expert witnesses, can command fees that reach up to $600 per hour. Different employers in McLean, such as tech companies or utilities, have varying pay structures; higher hourly rates may apply in sectors like semiconductor design, while traditional utilities often offer long-term benefits like pensions. This trade-off means that some engineers may prefer lower hourly wages with insurance benefits rather than higher pay sans perks. For hourly workers negotiating their rates in this dynamic market, understanding the nuances of individual employer pay scales, as well as emphasizing their relevant experience and any security clearance they possess, can lead to more favorable compensation.
More salary data for McLean, VA:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for electrical engineers in McLean. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for McLean 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