Chico vs Los Angeles: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Chico, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chico, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,219 | $144,882▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.97 | $69.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,081▲ | $82,122 |
| 25th Percentile | $106,454 | $107,558▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $175,640 | $186,072▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $212,690 | $217,105▲ |
| Total Employed | 20 | 8,970▲ |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chico.
The salary gap between Chico and Los Angeles is $7,663 (5.58%). Los Angeles's median is +15.88% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chico spans $123,609,Los Angeles spans $134,983. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Los Angeles ($127,575 effective) pays 5.15% more than Chico ($121,325 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chico if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($144,882/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($217,105)
- ✓Larger job market (8,970 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,575)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Chico grew 7.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 23.7% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Chico, CA
$122,650 (2021) → $132,387 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$113,030 (2019) → $139,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Chico or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chico and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Chico to Los Angeles as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Chico vs Los Angeles?
Related Comparisons
Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov