How to Become a Electrical Engineers in California
Electrical Engineers in California earn a median salary of $140,360/year, which is 25% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~6.5%. After taxes and rent, a electrical engineers takes home approximately $6,713/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a electrical engineers can afford in California
Becoming a electrical engineers in California
Meet education requirements
Electrical Engineers positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many electrical engineers positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for electrical engineerss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 23,650 electrical engineers. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.
Electrical Engineers salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $187K | $89.87/hr | 4,750 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $164K | $78.77/hr | 2,860 |
| Vallejo | $140K | $67.23/hr | 130 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $135K | $64.86/hr | 7,870 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $135K | $64.72/hr | 260 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $131K | $62.85/hr | 1,430 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $129K | $62.05/hr | 110 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $129K | $61.9/hr | 2,200 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $127K | $61.08/hr | 120 |
| Fresno | $127K | $61.03/hr | 350 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $127K | $61.02/hr | 120 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $127K | $60.97/hr | 460 |
| Redding | $126K | $60.53/hr | 80 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $123K | $59.18/hr | 150 |
| Bakersfield-Delano | $121K | $58.38/hr | 420 |
Electrical Engineers salary range in California
Electrical Engineers careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a electrical engineers make in California?▼
The median electrical engineers salary in California is $140,360 per year ($67.48/hr). This is 25% above the national median of $111,910. Salaries range from $81,110 to $219,710.
What are the requirements to become a electrical engineers in California?▼
Electrical Engineers positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a electrical engineers afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $140,360, a electrical engineers in California would take home approximately $8,125/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 17.4% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for electrical engineers in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for electrical engineers in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($186,920), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($163,840), Vallejo ($139,840). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for electrical engineers?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 6.5%. On a $140,360 salary, this means roughly $9,191/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.