Engineering Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Electrical Engineer Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median electrical engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $152,731 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median and 5.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$152,731
vs State Avg
+$8,369
vs National
+$48,121
Cost of Living
146%

Electrical Engineer Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median electrical engineer salary of $152,731, which is $8,369 above the California state average of $144,362. Compared to the national median of $104,610, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $152,731 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $104,610. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for electrical engineers in Los Angeles spans from $96,360 at the 10th percentile to $236,520 at the 90th percentile — a $140,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $99,280, while senior electrical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $226,300. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Electrical Engineer Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level electrical engineer earns around $99,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $226,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$99,280
+$31,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$154,760
+$48,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$226,300
+$71,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $96,360
25th Percentile $121,180
Median (50th) $152,731
75th Percentile $192,720
90th Percentile $236,520

Electrical Engineer Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$190,390
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$175,745
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$148,546
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$123,440
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Electrical Engineer in Los Angeles

Education

Most electrical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Circuit DesignMATLABPCB DesignPower SystemsControl SystemsEmbedded Systems

Job Outlook

Nationally, electrical engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Electrical Engineer Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open electrical engineer positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Electrical Engineer Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Electrical Engineer make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median electrical engineer salary in Los Angeles, California is $152,731 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $104,610. Salaries range from $96,360 (10th percentile) to $236,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Electrical Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $152,731, a electrical engineer in Los Angeles earns approximately $73 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for electrical engineer pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median electrical engineer salary of $152,731 is 5.8% above the California state average of $144,362. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a electrical engineer salary of $152,731 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a electrical engineer in Los Angeles? ▼
Most electrical engineer positions in Los Angeles require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Circuit Design, MATLAB, PCB Design, Power Systems. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.