As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an EE I in the United States is $82,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, an EE I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An EE I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an EE I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| EE I | 0-2 years | $81,904 |
| EE II | 2-4 years | $99,279 |
| EE III | 4-7 years | $120,758 |
| EE IV | 7+ years | $143,786 |
| EE V | 7-10 years | $166,803 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract EE Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.91% |
| Design Engineering | 3.02% |
| Programming | 1.59% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Facilitation
|
$99,220 |
21%
|
|
Circuit Design
|
$86,100 |
5%
|
|
Prototyping
|
$85,280 |
4%
|
|
Product Development
|
$84,460 |
3%
|
|
System Design
|
$84,460 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$83,640 |
2%
|
EE I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $91,794. While startup companies pay approximate $77,656.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $77,656 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $82,130 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $88,644 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $91,794 |
For EE I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, EE positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view EE I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $98,400 | $47.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $98,400 | $47.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $94,300 | $45.0 | 15% |
| Software & Networking | $94,300 | $45.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $90,200 | $43.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many EE Is enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an EE I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $78,116 and $80,954).
EE I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 1.8% |
| Associates | 3.2% |
| Bachelors | 64.6% |
| Masters | 26.1% |
| Doctorate | 4.2% |
Understanding how an EE I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an EE I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Signal Processing Engineer II | $99,500 | 21% |
| EE II | $99,300 | 21% |
| Electronics Design Engineer II | $99,500 | 21% |
| RF Engineer II | $99,490 | 21% |
Salaries for an EE I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $91,966 in 2023 to around $89,144 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of EE I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $91,966 |
| 2024 | $90,794 |
| 2025 | $89,144 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for EE I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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Entry-level electrical engineers typically earn between $76,300 and $86,800 annually, with a mid-salary of around $81,400. This range reflects competitive compensation, making it a solid starting point for recent graduates in the field. Salaries may vary by location, but overall, the prospects are promising for new professionals.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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