Electrical Engineer Salary in California
Electrical Engineers in California earn an average of $131,684 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.1% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$131,684
per year
Hourly Rate
$63.31
per hour
vs National
+16.1%
$113,450 national
Salary Range
$87,185
to $190,196
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$131,684
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$92,735
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Electrical Engineer's salary of $131,684 has the purchasing power of $92,735 in an average-cost area.
Electrical Engineer Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $158,055 | $75.99/hr | $105,471 | $228,317 | 352 |
| San Francisco, CA | $152,107 | $73.13/hr | $102,702 | $222,549 | 389 |
| San Diego, CA | $126,444 | $60.79/hr | $83,357 | $176,996 | 291 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $125,982 | $60.57/hr | $81,739 | $186,221 | 503 |
| Sacramento, CA | $114,541 | $55.07/hr | $73,955 | $161,742 | 345 |
| Riverside, CA | $112,974 | $54.31/hr | $75,885 | $165,350 | 308 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Electrical Engineer Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 2,188 Electrical Engineers employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Electrical Engineer Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$87,185
Starting salary for new Electrical Engineers
Median (50th Percentile)
$131,684
Mid-career Electrical Engineer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$190,196
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Electrical Engineer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Electrical Engineer salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Electrical Engineer Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Electrical Engineer salary in California?
The average Electrical Engineer salary in California is $131,684 per year ($63.31/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.1% above the national average of $113,450.
What is the highest paying city for Electrical Engineers in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Electrical Engineers in California, with a median salary of $158,055 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $112,974.
What is the salary range for Electrical Engineers in California?
Electrical Engineer salaries in California range from $87,185 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $190,196 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $131,684 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.