Engineering Manager Salary in California
Based on 30K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$210,280
$101.10/hr
vs National Average
$166,076
+26.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$138K – $296K
30K employed in California
Engineering Manager salary in California averages $210,280 per year, positioning the state among the highest-paying regions in the country. This median is approximately 27% above the national average, reflecting California's robust tech sector and high cost of living. The salary range spans from $137,900 to $296,130, accommodating various experience levels and specializations within the field.
Several factors influence Engineering Manager salary in California, including years of experience, company size, and industry sector. Tech hubs like Silicon Valley and the Bay Area command premium salaries compared to other regions. Educational background, specific technical expertise, and the employing company's profitability also play significant roles in determining compensation packages for the approximately 29,630 engineering managers working throughout the state.
Salary Distribution — Engineering Manager in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $137,900 |
| 25th percentile | $169,140 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $210,280 |
| 75th percentile | $251,890 |
| 90th percentile | $296,130 |
Top-Paying Industries for Engineering Manager (U.S.)
Which industries pay Engineering Managers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Engineering Managers in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $220,260 | 2K |
| Information | $206,790 | 3K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $192,990 | 3K |
| Retail Trade | $191,820 | 160 |
| Finance and Insurance | $182,680 | 760 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Engineering Manager in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $179,080 |
| 2023 | $197,420 |
| 2024 | $201,810 |
| 2025 | $210,280 |
| 2026 (projected) | $219,105 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $179,080 | $146,614 |
| 2023 | $197,420 | $154,625 |
| 2024 | $201,810 | $159,404 |
| 2025 | $210,280 | $166,076 |
| 2026 (projected) | $219,105 | $173,046 |
Engineering Manager Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $169,140 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $210,280 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $251,890 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $296,130 |
Engineering Manager Salary in Other States
Related Engineering Manager Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Engineering Manager ($210,280 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Engineering Manager | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Engineer in CA | $172,400 | -18.0% | $82.88/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in CA | $157,620 | -25.0% | $75.78/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in CA | $144,040 | -31.5% | $69.25/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in CA | $143,590 | -31.7% | $69.03/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in CA | $130,900 | -37.7% | $62.93/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in CA | $130,410 | -38.0% | $62.70/hr |
| Materials Engineer in CA | $128,470 | -38.9% | $61.76/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in CA | $128,310 | -39.0% | $61.69/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in CA | $124,600 | -40.7% | $59.90/hr |
| Civil Engineer in CA | $122,500 | -41.7% | $58.89/hr |
| Marine Engineer in CA | $110,700 | -47.4% | $53.22/hr |
| Physicist in CA | $207,490 | -1.3% | $99.75/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do engineering managers make in California?
- The median salary for engineering managers in California is $210,280 per year, or approximately $101 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 26.6% premium for the role in California.
What is the salary range for engineering managers in California?
- Engineering manager salaries in California range from $137,900 at the lower end to $296,130 at the higher end, reflecting differences in experience, company size, and location within the state.
How many engineering managers are employed in California?
- There are approximately 29,630 engineering managers currently employed in California, indicating a substantial job market for this role in the state.
Is being an engineering manager in California more lucrative than the national average?
- Yes, engineering managers in California earn 26.6% more than the national average, with a median salary of $210,280 compared to lower national figures, making it one of the highest-paying states for this position.