California ranks 2nd of 51 states and D.C. for electrical engineers pay, trailing top-paying New Mexico ($143,850) by $3,490 — a 2% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $81,110 to $219,710 — a $138,600 spread, 38% wider than the national $100,790 range.
California employs roughly 12.5% of all electrical engineers in the country (23,650 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $81,110 | $39.00 |
| 25th percentile | $105,150 | $50.55 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $140,360 | $67.48 |
| 75th percentile | $178,050 | $85.60 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $219,710 | $105.63 |
| Mean (average) | $148,390 | $71.34 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $140,360 | n/a |
| New Mexico | $143,850 | +2% |
| District of Columbia | $138,860 | -1% |
| New Hampshire | $131,790 | -6% |
| Washington | $130,730 | -7% |
| Idaho | $128,960 | -8% |
| Massachusetts | $126,010 | -10% |
| New Jersey | $125,120 | -11% |
| Maryland | $124,450 | -11% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses | $140,330 | 326,720 |
| Information Security Analysts | $140,660 | 15,800 |
| Computer Network Architects | $138,350 | 19,800 |
| Aerospace Engineers | $143,860 | 9,330 |
| Data Scientists | $136,800 | 36,850 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $136,500 | 68,800 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Electrical Engineers salary in California?
The mean electrical engineers salary in California is $148,390 per year. The median (middle) salary is $140,360 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Electrical Engineers in California?
Entry-level electrical engineerss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $81,110 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $105,150 per year.
What is the highest Electrical Engineers salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $219,710 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $178,050 per year.
How does the California Electrical Engineers salary compare to the national average?
The median electrical engineers salary in California is $140,360, which is +25% above national average of $111,910.