Los Angeles vs Santa Ana: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Ana, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Santa Ana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $144,882 | $145,315▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $69.65 | $69.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,122 | $84,661▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $107,558▲ | $105,748 |
| 75th Percentile | $186,072▲ | $186,003 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $217,105 | $225,239▲ |
| Total Employed | 8,970▲ | 69 |
Verdict
Santa Ana, CA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Santa Ana is $433 (0.30%). Santa Ana's median is +16.22% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $134,983,Santa Ana spans $140,578. Santa Ana 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, Santa Ana ($128,484 effective) pays 0.71% more than Los Angeles ($127,575 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (8,970 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Ana if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($145,315/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($225,239)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,484)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Los Angeles grew 23.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -15.2% growth in Santa Ana over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$113,030 (2019) → $139,780 (2025)
Santa Ana, CA
$165,370 (2024) → $140,198 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Ana, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Los Angeles or Santa Ana?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Santa Ana?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Santa Ana as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Los Angeles vs Santa Ana?
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