Electrical Engineer Salary

Electrical Engineer - View salary data across all locations

Average Salary

$113,876

across all locations

Highest Paying

$158,055

San Jose, CA

Locations Covered

50

metro areas

Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Electrical Engineers

See which cities pay Electrical Engineers the most, from $158,055 down to the #10 spot.

View Rankings

Electrical Engineer Salary by Location

LocationAnnual SalaryHourly RateEmployed
San Jose, CA$158,055$75.99352
San Francisco, CA$152,107$73.13389
New York, NY$137,166$65.95675
Seattle, WA$137,117$65.92441
Boston, MA$133,084$63.98393
Washington, DC$130,681$62.83463
San Diego, CA$126,444$60.79291
Los Angeles, CA$125,982$60.57503
Denver, CO$119,429$57.42340
Baltimore, MD$118,481$56.96294
Austin, TX$117,877$56.67283
Philadelphia, PA$117,861$56.66360
Miami, FL$116,897$56.20325
Portland, OR$116,498$56.01335
Chicago, IL$114,978$55.28362
Sacramento, CA$114,541$55.07345
Minneapolis, MN$114,518$55.06343
Hartford, CT$114,119$54.86363
Raleigh, NC$114,074$54.84289
Houston, TX$114,065$54.84337
Phoenix, AZ$113,507$54.57285
Riverside, CA$112,974$54.31308
Charlotte, NC$112,320$54.00345
Nashville, TN$112,231$53.96363
Dallas, TX$111,584$53.65426
Salt Lake City, UT$111,331$53.52350
Atlanta, GA$111,278$53.50385
Orlando, FL$110,981$53.36326
Columbus, OH$109,360$52.58298
Providence, RI$109,222$52.51348
Detroit, MI$108,720$52.27338
Milwaukee, WI$108,373$52.10368
Las Vegas, NV$107,690$51.77288
Richmond, VA$107,472$51.67275
Cincinnati, OH$107,453$51.66276
Indianapolis, IN$107,314$51.59351
Tampa, FL$106,351$51.13323
Jacksonville, FL$105,776$50.85324
Pittsburgh, PA$105,705$50.82364
St. Louis, MO$105,138$50.55290
Cleveland, OH$104,877$50.42292
New Orleans, LA$104,524$50.25287
Kansas City, MO$103,717$49.86306
Louisville, KY$103,700$49.86342
Tucson, AZ$101,766$48.93339
San Antonio, TX$100,844$48.48280
Oklahoma City, OK$100,213$48.18362
Birmingham, AL$100,159$48.15313
Memphis, TN$97,653$46.95285
El Paso, TX$97,572$46.91319

About Electrical Engineer Careers

This professional role involves specialized skills and knowledge to perform essential job duties across various industries and organizations. Professionals in this field contribute to organizational success through their expertise and dedication to quality work.

Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the average electrical engineer salary across all U.S. metropolitan areas is $113,876 per year. Salaries range from $97,572 in El Paso, TX to $158,055 in San Jose, CA, reflecting significant variation based on location, cost of living, and local demand. There are approximately 17,239 professionals employed as electrical engineers across the metro areas we track.

What Does a Electrical Engineer Do?

Electrical Engineers perform a variety of essential duties in their daily work:

  • Perform core job responsibilities with attention to quality and detail
  • Collaborate with team members and stakeholders
  • Stay current with industry trends and best practices
  • Meet performance targets and organizational goals
  • Maintain professional standards and ethical conduct
  • Contribute to process improvements and efficiency gains
  • Document work and maintain accurate records

Education Requirements

Qualifications for this role typically include relevant education, training, and experience. Many employers value a combination of formal education and practical experience. Professional certifications and continuing education can enhance career prospects and earning potential.

Key Skills for Electrical Engineers

Strong communication and interpersonal abilitiesProblem-solving and critical thinkingTechnical proficiency relevant to the fieldAttention to detail and organizational skillsAbility to work independently and as part of a teamAdaptability and willingness to learnTime management and prioritization

Factors That Affect Electrical Engineer Salary

Several factors influence how much a electrical engineer earns:

1Years of relevant experience
2Education level and certifications
3Geographic location and cost of living
4Industry sector and employer size
5Specialized skills and expertise
6Performance and demonstrated results

Career Path & Advancement

Career advancement typically involves gaining experience, developing specialized expertise, and taking on increased responsibility. Opportunities may include senior-level positions, management roles, or specialized technical tracks.

Job Outlook

Employment in this field is influenced by economic conditions, industry trends, and technological developments. Professionals who stay current with industry changes and continuously develop their skills will have better career prospects.

Work Environment

Work environments vary based on industry and specific role requirements. Many positions offer opportunities for professional growth and development in supportive workplace settings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical Engineer Salaries

What is the average electrical engineer salary in the United States?

The average electrical engineer salary across U.S. metropolitan areas is approximately $113,876 per year. However, salaries vary significantly by location, with some areas paying up to $158,055.

Where do electrical engineers earn the most money?

San Jose, CA offers the highest average salary for electrical engineers at $158,055 per year. Other high-paying areas can be found on our top paying cities for electrical engineers page.

How can I increase my salary as a electrical engineer?

To increase your earning potential as a electrical engineer, consider gaining additional certifications, specializing in high-demand areas, relocating to higher-paying metropolitan areas, negotiating salary during job transitions, and continuously developing your skills. Experience and demonstrated results also significantly impact earning potential.

What is the hourly rate for electrical engineers?

The average hourly rate for electrical engineers is approximately $54.75 per hour (based on a standard 2,080-hour work year). Hourly rates range from $46.91 to $75.99 depending on location.

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