Electrical Engineer Salary in the United States
Based on 192K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$114,434
$55.02/hr
▲ 3.1% vs 2024Salary Range
$76K – $168K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
192K
workers nationwide
The median Electrical Engineer salary in the United States is $114,434 annually, translating to approximately $55 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings, with most professionals falling between $76,368 and $167,503 per year.
Several factors influence an Electrical Engineer's earning potential. These include years of experience, the specific industry they work in, their level of education and certifications, and geographic location. States like New Mexico, for instance, offer higher compensation, with a reported median of $158,520 for the role.
Salary Distribution — Electrical Engineer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $76,368 |
| 25th percentile | $91,148 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $114,434 |
| 75th percentile | $140,958 |
| 90th percentile | $167,503 |
Electrical Engineer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Electrical Engineer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Mexico | $158,520 | +38.5% | 3K |
| 2 | California | $144,040 | +25.9% | 24K |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $143,000 | +25.0% | 330 |
| 4 | New Hampshire | $135,710 | +18.6% | 2K |
| 5 | Washington | $132,710 | +16.0% | 8K |
| 6 | Texas | $129,450 | +13.1% | 21K |
| 7 | Idaho | $129,340 | +13.0% | 1K |
| 8 | Massachusetts | $127,720 | +11.6% | 5K |
| 9 | Delaware | $126,970 | +11.0% | 660 |
| 10 | Alaska | $125,970 | +10.1% | 350 |
Electrical Engineer Salary by Industry
How much Electrical Engineers earn across industries nationwide — Information pays the most ($165,890 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Information | $165,890 | +45.0% | 3K |
| 2 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $134,040 | +17.1% | 720 |
| 3 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $130,610 | +14.1% | 10K |
| 4 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $126,920 | +10.9% | 10K |
| 5 | Administrative and Support Services | $126,210 | +10.3% | 4K |
| 6 | Utilities | $124,600 | +8.9% | 22K |
| 7 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $120,130 | +5.0% | 70K |
| 8 | Wholesale Trade | $119,880 | +4.8% | 6K |
| 9 | Manufacturing | $117,360 | +2.6% | 57K |
| 10 | Transportation and Warehousing | $111,700 | -2.4% | 860 |
| 11 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $106,900 | -6.6% | 1K |
| 12 | Construction | $98,870 | -13.6% | 11K |
| 13 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $95,440 | -16.6% | 160 |
| 14 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $87,410 | -23.6% | 290 |
| 15 | Educational Services | $83,950 | -26.6% | 940 |
| 16 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $80,730 | -29.5% | 160 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Electrical Engineer
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Electrical Engineer roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apple | $157,802 | 300 |
| 2 | Microsoft | $190,856 | 78 |
| 3 | Tesla | $173,915 | 67 |
| 4 | Texas Instruments | $129,000 | 61 |
| 5 | Cummins | $104,707 | 58 |
| 6 | Meta | $201,100 | 56 |
| 7 | General Motors | $138,773 | 38 |
| 8 | Burns & Mcdonnell Engineering | $127,942 | 33 |
Historical Salary Trend — Electrical Engineer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $101,706 |
| 2023 | $106,188 |
| 2024 | $111,022 |
| 2025 | $114,434 |
| 2026 (projected) | $117,951 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Electrical Engineer Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $91,148 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $114,434 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $140,958 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $167,503 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for an Electrical Engineer in the US?
- The median salary for an Electrical Engineer in the United States is $114,434 per year. This means half of all Electrical Engineers earn more than this amount, and half earn less, with the typical range being from $76,368 to $167,503.
Which states pay Electrical Engineers the most?
- New Mexico is currently the top-paying state for Electrical Engineers, with a median salary of $158,520. This indicates a strong demand or higher cost of living in that region for these specialized roles.
How much does an entry-level Electrical Engineer make?
- While the overall salary range for Electrical Engineers is $76,368 to $167,503, entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of this spectrum. Entry-level salaries often start around the $76,368 mark before increasing with experience.
Is the job market for Electrical Engineers stable?
- Yes, the job market for Electrical Engineers is robust, with approximately 192,150 professionals currently employed across the nation. This indicates a consistent demand for their skills within various industries.