Electrical Engineer Salary in the United States
Based on 189K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$111,022
$53.376/hr
▲ 4.6% vs 2023Salary Range
$82K – $182K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
189K
workers nationwide
The median electrical engineer salary in the United States stands at $155,293 per year, reflecting strong compensation for this specialized technical role. Based on data from 347 workers in the field, salaries can reach up to $195,158 annually, demonstrating significant earning potential within the profession.
Several factors influence electrical engineer salary in the United States, including experience level, educational credentials, and industry specialization. Geographic location, employer size, and specific technical expertise in areas such as power systems or semiconductor design also play important roles in determining individual compensation packages and career progression opportunities.
Salary Distribution — Electrical Engineer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $81,670 |
| 25th percentile | $113,500 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $111,022 |
| 75th percentile | $181,550 |
| 90th percentile | $181,550 |
Electrical Engineer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Electrical Engineer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Mexico | $143,850 | +29.6% | 2K |
| 2 | California | $140,360 | +26.4% | 24K |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $138,860 | +25.1% | 520 |
| 4 | New Hampshire | $131,790 | +18.7% | 1K |
| 5 | Washington | $130,730 | +17.8% | 10K |
| 6 | Idaho | $128,960 | +16.2% | 920 |
| 7 | Massachusetts | $126,010 | +13.5% | 5K |
| 8 | New Jersey | $125,120 | +12.7% | 4K |
| 9 | Maryland | $124,450 | +12.1% | 4K |
| 10 | Virginia | $122,320 | +10.2% | 6K |
Historical Salary Trend — Electrical Engineer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $101,706 |
| 2023 | $106,188 |
| 2024 | $111,022 |
| 2026 | $155,293 |
Electrical Engineer Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electrical engineers make per hour in the United States?
- The median hourly wage for electrical engineers in the United States is $75/hour. This translates to an annual median salary of $155,293, making it a competitive compensation rate in the engineering field.
What is the highest paying city for electrical engineers?
- California is the top paying city for electrical engineers, with an average salary of $181,316 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median of $155,293, reflecting the strong demand for engineering talent in that region.
What is the salary range for electrical engineers?
- The salary range for electrical engineers extends up to $195,158 per year at the upper end. The median salary of $155,293 provides a good benchmark for what most experienced electrical engineers can expect to earn.
Is electrical engineering a well-paid career in the US?
- Yes, electrical engineering is well-compensated with a median salary of $155,293 annually and potential earnings reaching up to $195,158. Top paying locations like California offer even higher salaries at $181,316, making it a lucrative career choice.