📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Embedded Systems Engineer Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$159,040
per year
Median
$151,940
per year
Hourly
$76.46
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$103,944
25th Percentile — Junior$133,480
50th Percentile — Median$151,940
75th Percentile — Senior$199,936
90th Percentile — Top Earners$224,701
💡 Top-earning Embedded Systems Engineers in California make up to $224,701 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
$127.6k
2021
$133.4k
2022
$139.4k
2023
$145.6k
2024
$152.2k
2025
$159.0k
2026
📈 Embedded Systems Engineer salaries in California have followed the national trend with 4.5% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Embedded Systems Engineer Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $246,512 +55.0% High
San Diego $235,379 +48.0% High
San Jose $273,549 +72.0% High
San Francisco $294,224 +85.0% High
Fresno $171,763 +8.0% High
Sacramento $194,029 +22.0% High
Long Beach $230,608 +45.0% High
Bakersfield $171,763 +8.0% High
Anaheim $225,837 +42.0% High
Santa Ana $222,656 +40.0% High
Riverside $203,571 +28.0% High
Stockton $187,667 +18.0% High
Irvine $246,512 +55.0% High
San Bernardino $187,667 +18.0% High
Modesto $178,125 +12.0% High
Fontana $194,029 +22.0% High
Moreno Valley $182,896 +15.0% High
Glendale $235,379 +48.0% High
Fremont $254,464 +60.0% High
🔍
Embedded Systems Engineer Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Embedded Systems Engineers. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $159,040 per year, California's Embedded Systems 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 $103,944–$133,480, while experienced Embedded Systems Engineers can command $199,936–$224,701.

Looking ahead, the Embedded Systems Engineer profession in California is projected to grow at 4.5% 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
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Embedded Systems Engineer salary in California is $159,040 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $112,000.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Embedded Systems 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 Embedded Systems Engineer employment.
  • At $159,040/year, California Embedded Systems Engineer salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $112,000/year.