Electrical engineers in California earn an average annual salary of $126,000. Entry-level positions start around $85,000, while experienced engineers can earn over $160,000. Salaries vary based on industry, education level, and location, with the Bay Area typically offering the highest pay.
Overview of Electrical Engineering Jobs in California
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing, testing, and supervising electrical systems used in everything from energy grids to communication networks. In California, these roles are critical across cities like San Francisco, San Jose, Fremont, Chico, and Los Angeles. With the state’s focus on renewable energy and advanced technologies, demand for electrical engineers continues to rise. As of March 2025, electrical engineering ranks among the most sought-after STEM careers in the state.
Top employers in California seek candidates with experience in system design, troubleshooting, and client support, often placing them in team environments under senior supervision. Engineers regularly fill roles across industries needing guidance in developing and maintaining power systems, testing new products, and improving energy efficiency.
Average Electrical Engineer Salary in California
The average salary for an electrical engineer in California is $126,000, with experienced professionals earning as much as $174,350 annually. Entry-level roles start around $85,000, while senior engineers, especially in metropolitan areas, can exceed $160,000 per year.
The following table outlines salary ranges across levels and regions:
Electrical Engineer Salaries in California
| Category | Salary Range | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Electrical Engineer | $55,912 – $78,899 | $55,912 |
| Electrical Engineer I | $78,899 – $101,114 | $90,407 |
| Average Electrical Engineer Salary | $76,270 – $174,350 | $127,220 |
| Top Paying Metropolitan Areas | San Jose: $185,390 Los Angeles: $134,500 | — |
San Jose offers the highest salaries, driven by its location in Silicon Valley and proximity to tech firms. San Francisco also ranks high due to the presence of many energy and design firms.
Electrical Engineer Salary by Experience Level
Experience directly impacts salary. Engineers with more years in the field consistently earn more across all California cities.
- Entry-Level (0–2 years): ~$85,000
- Mid-Level (3–6 years): ~$110,000
- Senior-Level (7+ years): $145,000–$160,000+
Professionals with specialized training or certifications in systems design or SCADA often qualify for higher pay. Many companies in California promote from within, rewarding team leadership and supervision experience.
Highest Paying Locations for Electrical Engineers in California
San Jose, San Francisco, and Los Angeles are the top-paying cities for electrical engineers in California.
| City | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose | $185,390 |
| San Francisco | $142,000 |
| Los Angeles | $134,500 |
| Fremont | $130,100 |
| Chico | $119,500 |
These cities house companies in semiconductors, clean energy, and consumer electronics, all of which actively seek qualified engineers. Location strongly affects pay due to varying living costs and industry presence.
Salary Differences by Industry
Industries with the highest electrical engineer salaries in California include aerospace, energy, and telecommunications.
| Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Aerospace and Defense | $155,000 |
| Electrical Power Generation | $148,000 |
| Communications Equipment Manufacturing | $145,000 |
| Consumer Electronics and Tech | $140,000 |
| Audio/Video Equipment Manufacturing | $138,000 |
Industries vary by city. For example, aerospace companies in Los Angeles offer higher salaries than similar roles in rural locations. Engineers with hybrid skills in mechanical or industrial design are often eligible for increased pay brackets.
Benefits and Additional Compensation
Beyond salary, electrical engineers in California receive benefits such as annual bonuses, RSUs (restricted stock units), and comprehensive health coverage. These benefits can increase overall compensation by 10%–25%.
Additional compensation may include:
- Signing bonuses for relocation
- 401(k) matching and pension contributions
- Paid training and development programs
- Remote work flexibility for design and analysis roles
Many companies also support certification programs and continuing education, especially for engineers seeking supervisory or team leadership positions.
How to Increase Your Electrical Engineer Salary in California
Engineers can increase their salary by earning certifications, gaining specialized skills, and seeking roles in high-paying industries or cities.
Top ways to increase pay include:
- Getting licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE)
- Earning certifications in AutoCAD, SCADA systems, or LEED
- Gaining experience in renewable energy systems
- Moving to high-demand locations like San Jose or San Francisco
- Leading projects or managing cross-functional teams
Career development is essential. Engineers who support system-level designs, fill critical testing roles, or provide guidance to junior staff often move up faster.
Popular Questions
Below are common questions about this topic.
What industries employ the most electrical engineers in California?
Electric power generation, communications equipment manufacturing, and audio/video equipment manufacturing employ the largest number of electrical engineers in California. These industries are stable and offer high salaries.
What certifications or licenses are required to advance as an electrical engineer in California?
A PE license significantly improves job prospects. Certifications in SCADA, AutoCAD, and LEED also increase salary potential.
How does the salary of electrical engineers compare to similar engineering roles in California?
Electrical engineers earn more than wind energy and general engineers but less than petroleum engineers. For example, petroleum engineers earn around $158,000 annually compared to $127,000 for electrical engineers.
What is the job outlook for electrical engineers in renewable energy sectors?
Strong. California’s push for sustainability drives demand for engineers in solar and wind power design, especially in grid interconnection roles.
Which cities offer the highest salaries for electrical engineers in California?
San Jose leads with $185,390, followed by Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Are remote opportunities available for electrical engineers in California?
Yes. Many engineers now work remotely in design, support, and testing roles, especially in firms dealing with power systems and industrial equipment.
Summing Up
California offers some of the highest-paying jobs for electrical engineers in the United States. Factors like experience, industry, and location all influence salaries. Engineers seeking career development, better benefits, and opportunities to lead should consider certifications, strategic job changes, and relocation to high-paying cities like San Jose or San Francisco.
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