Electrical Engineer Salary in Roanoke, VA: $112,906 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Roanoke, VA earns a median $112,906/year (≈ $54.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Roanoke's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $120,603 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Virginia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, electrical engineers in Roanoke, VA, can expect a median annual salary of $112,906, which is approximately 9.7% lower than the national median of $125,033. The salary range for this profession in the city varies significantly, with the lowest earners making around $78,411 and the highest reaching $159,445. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, highlighting the potential for career progression as engineers navigate between individual contributor (IC) roles and management tracks. As the local job market for electrical engineers evolves, opportunities abound for professionals who are willing to adapt to industry shifts and pursue advanced qualifications.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,411 | $37.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,766 | $43.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $112,906 | $54.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $139,793 | $67.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $159,445 | $76.66 |
Median Salary Position
9.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Roanoke
In Roanoke, VA, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $81,034 (2026 est.). At $112,906, the local median is 9.7% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Roanoke: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Roanoke Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Roanoke median: $112,906/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Roanoke Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $125,033 | -9.70% less |
Electrical Engineers in Roanoke, VA earn a median of $112,906 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.70% lower than the national median of $125,033.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Roanoke has a cost of living 6.38% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Roanoke, VA has a cost-of-living index of 93.618 (below the national average of 100). A electrical engineer earning $112,906 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $120,603 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.82% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$94,590
2025 BLS Actual
$108,930
2026 Current Est.
$112,906
2019–2027 Growth
+23.7%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Roanoke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,590 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,300 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,890 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,160 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,710 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,830 | Actual |
| 2025 | $108,930 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $112,906 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $117,027 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Roanoke metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 15.2% from $94,590 (2019) to $108,930 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $117,027 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,437 (23.72%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Roanoke 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) | $78,411 – $90,766 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,766 – $112,906 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $112,906 – $139,793 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $139,793 – $159,445 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Roanoke
Considering that there are 270 electrical engineers employed in Roanoke, the local job market appears stable, even as the cost of living index sits at 93.618, which is lower than the national average. This lower cost of living enhances the take-home purchasing power for engineers, making Roanoke an attractive option for many. Employers that typically offer higher compensation for electrical engineers include tech companies such as Intel and AMD, and defense contractors like Lockheed Martin. The disparity in salaries can be attributed to various factors, including industry focus, with roles in semiconductor and chip design commanding the highest pay, followed closely by defense-related positions, which offer a security clearance premium. For engineers wishing to maximize their pay potential, pursuing relevant certifications, considering roles in high-paying industries, and gaining experience toward management positions can be effective strategies.
More salary data for Roanoke, 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
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 $108,930 for electrical engineersin the Roanoke 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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