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Average Electrical Engineers Salary in California

Electrical Engineers in California command an impressive average annual salary of $148,390, significantly surpassing the national average of $121,030. This elevated compensation is largely driven by California's robust technological sector, high demand for specialized engineering talent, and the state's overall economic dynamism.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $148,390 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $219,710.
  • Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 23,650 Electrical Engineers and a Location Quotient of 1.07, California demonstrates a healthy and slightly above-average concentration of these professionals. This indicates a stable and robust job market where demand consistently meets or slightly exceeds the national supply, suggesting a secure employment landscape for skilled engineers.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$148,390

The average Electrical Engineers in California earns+22.6%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$71.3

Weekly

$2,854

Monthly

$12,366

Electrical Engineers Salary Distribution in California

Salary progression for Electrical Engineers in California typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned senior engineers with specialized skills and project leadership experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear career growth trajectory and increasing value to employers.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$81,110$39
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$111,293$53.5
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$140,360$67.5
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$185,488$89.2
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$219,710$105.6

Detailed Electrical Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$148,390

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$107,141

Adjusted for COL (138.5)

While the average salary of $148,390 is substantial, California's Cost of Living Index of 138.5 means that this income is stretched further than in more affordable regions. Prospective engineers should factor in the higher expenses for housing, transportation, and daily living when evaluating the true purchasing power of this salary.

Job Market Context

23,650

Total Jobs

1.31

Per 1K Jobs

1.07

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.07, California has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Electrical Engineers roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.07 indicates that Electrical Engineers are slightly more concentrated in California than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet accessible market, where opportunities are abundant due to the sheer size of the engineering talent pool and the high demand from various industries within the state.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Electrical Engineers

CitySalaryDist.
Visalia, CA Electrical Engineers Salary$112,800↓ 24%25 mi
Fresno, CA Electrical Engineers Salary$130,980↓ 12%46 mi
Bakersfield-Delano, CA Electrical Engineers Salary$122,400↓ 18%64 mi
San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Electrical Engineers Salary$127,740↓ 14%81 mi

Comparing salaries near California

Hiring Electrical Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Electrical Engineers make in California?

The median annual salary for a Electrical Engineers in California is $148,390. This typically ranges from $81,110 for entry-level positions to $219,710 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in California is 22.6% higher than the national median of $121,030.

Is California a lucrative place for Electrical Engineers?

Yes, California is a highly lucrative state for Electrical Engineers.The average salary significantly exceeds the national average, and the state's strong technological sector drives high demand for these professionals.

Is California a good place to live for Electrical Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in California is 138.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near California?

Some top paying nearby cities include Visalia, CA ($112,800) and Fresno, CA.

How does California's average Electrical Engineer salary compare to the national average?

Electrical Engineers in California earn an average of $148,390 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $121,030.

What is the concentration of Electrical Engineers in California?

California has a Location Quotient of 1.07 for Electrical Engineers, meaning the concentration of these professionals is slightly above the national average.

How does the cost of living affect an Electrical Engineer's salary in California?

With a Cost of Living Index of 138.5, the higher nominal salary in California needs to be considered against the increased expenses for goods and services.

What is the total number of Electrical Engineers employed in California?

California employs a significant workforce of 23,650 Electrical Engineers, indicating a substantial market presence.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 23,650 employees in the California area with a job density of 1.31 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Electrical Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in California