Electrical Engineer Salary in Waltham, MA: $120,146 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Waltham, MA earns a median $120,146/year (≈ $57.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Waltham's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $110,734 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.7% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the electrical engineer salary in Waltham, MA is projected to be $120,146, slightly below the national median of $125,033. This competitive figure spans a salary range from $78,204 at the 10th percentile to $182,667 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the diverse opportunities available within the field. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for local economic conditions. The strong presence of tech companies and defense contractors in Waltham suggests a market that values expertise, particularly in roles that may require security clearance. Given these dynamics, Waltham's job market remains promising for both entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
About the Waltham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($132,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,204 | $37.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $93,028 | $44.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $120,146 | $57.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $153,787 | $73.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $182,667 | $87.82 |
Median Salary Position
3.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waltham
In Waltham, MA, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $104,463 (2026 est.). At $120,146, the local median is 3.91% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waltham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waltham Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Waltham median: $120,146/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waltham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $123,480 | -2.70% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | -3.91% less |
Electrical Engineers in Waltham, MA earn a median of $120,146 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.91% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 2.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $123,480.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waltham has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waltham, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $120,146 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $110,734 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$94,679
2025 BLS Actual
$115,915
2026 Current Est.
$120,146
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Waltham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,679 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,889 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,495 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,282 | Actual |
| 2023 | $102,770 | Actual |
| 2024 | $139,366 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,915 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $120,146 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124,531 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waltham metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $94,679 (2019) to $115,915 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $124,531 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,852 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waltham 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $78,204 – $93,028 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $93,028 – $120,146 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $120,146 – $153,787 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $153,787 – $182,667 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Waltham
The local employment landscape features around 11 electrical engineers, underscoring a niche but potentially lucrative market. The cost of living index for Waltham sits at 108.5, which reflects a cost structure that is higher than the national average, impacting take-home pay. In Waltham, top employers such as Apple, Nvidia, and Raytheon typically offer salaries on the higher end of the scale due to the demands of semiconductor design and defense projects, which often require security clearances. The variation in electrical engineer pay in Waltham, MA can largely be attributed to industry; sectors involving semiconductor work generally provide the best compensation, while utility roles, despite offering benefits and pensions, often lag behind. Engineers who aim to maximize their earnings should consider focusing on in-demand skill sets, pursuing certifications like the PE license for power systems, and strategically navigating between technical and managerial career tracks to enhance future salary prospects.
More salary data for Waltham, MA:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $115,915 for electrical engineersin the Waltham metropolitan area. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waltham 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