Los Angeles vs Santa Cruz: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Cruz, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Santa Cruz, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $144,882▲ | $138,435 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.65▲ | $66.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,122 | $107,703▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $107,558 | $126,536▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $186,072▲ | $177,480 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $217,105▲ | $211,259 |
| Total Employed | 8,970▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Cruz.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz is $6,447 (4.66%). 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 Los Angeles spans $134,983,Santa Cruz spans $103,556. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Los Angeles ($127,575 effective) pays 1.27% more than Santa Cruz ($125,969 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Santa Cruz if…
- ✓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 22.2% growth in Santa Cruz over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$113,030 (2019) → $139,780 (2025)
Santa Cruz, CA
$109,310 (2019) → $133,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Cruz, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Los Angeles or Santa Cruz?
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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