How much does a Electrical Engineer make?
Electrical Engineers enjoy a wide range of salaries based on their experience and industry. Starting engineers can expect to earn about $48,000 per year. As experience grows, salaries rise significantly. Engineers with 10 to 20 years of experience can earn between $134,000 and $158,000 annually.
The average yearly salary for an Electrical Engineer stands at about $104,000. This figure reflects the overall compensation, which often includes benefits and bonuses. The top-earning engineers, those with the most experience or working in high-demand industries, can make upwards of $183,000 per year. Each step up in experience typically brings a notable increase in salary, rewarding dedication and expertise in the field.
Some specific factors that can affect an Electrical Engineer's salary include:
- Years of experience
- Industry sector
- Geographic location
- Level of education
What are the highest paying cities for a Electrical Engineer?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $146,940
San Francisco offers dynamic opportunities for engineers in tech giants like Google and Apple. The city's tech boom means many projects focus on innovation and sustainability.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $144,774
San Jose, home to Silicon Valley, provides a wealth of opportunities for engineers. With companies like Intel and Cisco, professionals can work on cutting-edge technology.
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Chico, CA
Average Salary: $140,170
Chico offers a more relaxed environment with opportunities at California State University. Professionals here can find a good work-life balance while contributing to local tech growth.
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Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $134,853
In Anchorage, engineers can work in industries like energy and telecommunications. The city's unique climate and geography present interesting challenges and opportunities.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $129,070
Seattle is a hub for tech and aerospace companies like Boeing and Microsoft. Engineers here enjoy a vibrant community and a focus on innovation.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $127,642
Los Angeles offers diverse opportunities in entertainment technology and infrastructure. Engineers can find projects in film, automotive, and more.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $123,421
Boulder boasts a strong tech scene with companies like Google and Ball Aerospace. Engineers enjoy a high quality of life and beautiful surroundings.
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Huntsville, AL
Average Salary: $121,611
Huntsville is known for its aerospace industry, with key players like NASA and Lockheed Martin. Engineers here work on exciting projects with significant impact.
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Baltimore, MD
Average Salary: $121,449
Baltimore offers a mix of opportunities in healthcare technology and defense. The city's growing tech scene provides a range of projects for engineers.
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Worcester, MA
Average Salary: $119,355
Worcester has a mix of tech firms and manufacturing companies. Engineers can find work in healthcare technology and industrial automation here.
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What are the best companies a Electrical Engineer can work for?

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Google
Average Salary: $220,775
Google offers exciting opportunities for Electrical Engineers. They work on a range of projects including hardware development and software integration. Google operates in many locations globally, including Mountain View, California, and Zurich, Switzerland.
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Apple
Average Salary: $218,027
Apple is known for its innovative products. Electrical Engineers at Apple focus on developing new features for devices like the iPhone and MacBook. The company's headquarters are in Cupertino, California, with additional offices worldwide.
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Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Average Salary: $192,483
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory provides significant opportunities for Electrical Engineers. They work on national security projects and advanced research. The lab is located in Livermore, California, with smaller sites in Nevada.
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CDM Smith
Average Salary: $164,576
CDM Smith focuses on environmental and infrastructure projects. Electrical Engineers here work on designing and implementing systems for water and energy. The company operates in many locations across the U.S., including Boston, Massachusetts, and Denver, Colorado.
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Matrix Technologies, Inc.
Average Salary: $163,458
Matrix Technologies, Inc. provides innovative solutions in power systems and defense. Electrical Engineers here develop new technologies and systems. The company operates nationwide with offices in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
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Arup
Average Salary: $160,861
Arup offers diverse opportunities for Electrical Engineers in architecture and engineering. They work on smart infrastructure and sustainable solutions. The company operates in many global locations, including San Francisco, California, and London, UK.
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Anduril Industries
Average Salary: $159,989
Anduril Industries focuses on advanced defense and security technologies. Electrical Engineers here develop cutting-edge systems for defense and space. The company is based in San Francisco, California.
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Delta Star, Inc.
Average Salary: $153,868
Delta Star, Inc. specializes in power systems and energy solutions. Electrical Engineers here work on designing and implementing power systems for commercial and industrial projects. The company operates in several locations, including Irvine, California.
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Burns & McDonnell
Average Salary: $153,783
Burns & McDonnell provides services in engineering and architecture. Electrical Engineers here focus on designing and managing infrastructure projects. The company operates nationwide with offices in Kansas City, Missouri, and several other locations.
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Blue Origin
Average Salary: $152,566
Blue Origin focuses on space exploration and technology. Electrical Engineers here work on developing spacecraft and launch systems. The company is based in Kent, Washington.
How to earn more as a Electrical Engineer?
Electrical Engineers have the opportunity to earn more with the right strategies. Focusing on specialized skills can make a big difference. For instance, working on cutting-edge technologies like renewable energy systems, automation, and robotics can lead to higher-paying roles. Continuous learning through certifications and advanced degrees also makes a candidate more valuable.
Gaining experience in different industries can widen job opportunities. Electrical Engineers who work in multiple sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and telecommunications, often find better-paying positions. Networking and building connections within the industry can lead to job openings that are not advertised. Additionally, seeking promotions and negotiating salaries with data on market rates can help secure higher pay. Leading projects and demonstrating strong leadership skills can also lead to salary increases.
Here are some ways to earn more as an Electrical Engineer:
- Develop specialized skills in high-demand areas.
- Earn certifications and advanced degrees.
- Work in multiple industries to gain diverse experience.
- Network to discover unadvertised job opportunities.
- Negotiate salary based on market rates and project leadership.



