How Electrical Engineers in California get paid in 2026 — median, range, experience tiers, metro breakdown, and a comparison against national pay.
Pay tiers reflect typical California compensation across career stages. Specialized employers may pay above these ranges.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $116,400 | $88,400 | $151,400 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $144,600 | $109,900 | $188,100 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $166,300 | $126,400 | $216,300 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $199,500 | $151,600 | $259,500 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $226,100 | $171,900 | $294,100 |
Pay varies sharply within California. Major metros usually outpay state-wide averages.
| Metro | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs California |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose | $193,000 | $146,700 | $250,900 | +16% |
| San Francisco | $187,300 | $142,300 | $243,400 | +13% |
| Los Angeles | $158,700 | $120,600 | $206,400 | -5% |
| San Diego | $156,800 | $119,200 | $203,900 | -6% |
Top occupations by median pay in California — useful context if you're weighing a career switch.
→ See full ranking of top 25 highest-paying jobs in California
If you'd consider relocating, here's how regional and comparable markets pay for the same job.
The average Electrical Engineer salary in California is $166,300 per year as of 2026, based on projections from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics. The 25th percentile sits at $126,400 and the 75th at $216,300.
Pay-wise, California sits +40% above the national Electrical Engineer median ($118,800). That makes it one of the stronger markets — though cost of living should always be factored in alongside raw salary.
Senior Electrical Engineers (10–14 years of experience) in California earn around $199,500 per year on average. Veterans with 15+ years can reach $226,100 or more, especially at the 75th percentile and above.
Among all 51 jurisdictions (50 states + DC), California ranks 1st for Electrical Engineer pay. The highest-paying state pays around $166,300 on average.
The median is a benchmark, not a verdict. Your exact market value depends on your experience and education — plus your specific employer's pay band. Run the free calculator for a personalized number.
Get my personal salary report →