📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Electrical Engineer Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$153,204
per year
Median
$146,814
per year
Hourly
$73.66
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$97,944
25th Percentile — Junior$126,146
50th Percentile — Median$146,814
75th Percentile — Senior$189,598
90th Percentile — Top Earners$213,348
💡 Top-earning Electrical Engineers in California make up to $213,348 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$130.2k
2021
$134.5k
2022
$139.0k
2023
$143.6k
2024
$148.3k
2025
$153.2k
2026
📈 Electrical Engineer salaries in California have followed the national trend with 3.3% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Electrical Engineer Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $237,466 +55.0% High
San Diego $226,742 +48.0% High
San Jose $263,511 +72.0% High
San Francisco $283,427 +85.0% High
Fresno $165,460 +8.0% High
Sacramento $186,909 +22.0% High
Long Beach $222,146 +45.0% High
Bakersfield $165,460 +8.0% High
Anaheim $217,550 +42.0% High
Santa Ana $214,486 +40.0% High
Riverside $196,101 +28.0% High
Stockton $180,781 +18.0% High
Irvine $237,466 +55.0% High
San Bernardino $180,781 +18.0% High
Modesto $171,588 +12.0% High
Fontana $186,909 +22.0% High
Moreno Valley $176,185 +15.0% High
Glendale $226,742 +48.0% High
Fremont $245,126 +60.0% High
🔍
Electrical Engineer Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Electrical Engineers. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $153,204 per year, California's Electrical Engineer salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $97,944–$126,146, while experienced Electrical Engineers can command $189,598–$213,348.

Looking ahead, the Electrical Engineer profession in California is projected to grow at 3.3% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Electrical Engineer salary in California is $153,204 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $107,890.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Electrical Engineers the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Electrical Engineer employment.
  • At $153,204/year, California Electrical Engineer salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $107,890/year.