Los Angeles vs Santa Maria: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Maria, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $144,882▲ | $139,554 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.65▲ | $67.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,122 | $85,905▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $107,558▲ | $105,143 |
| 75th Percentile | $186,072▲ | $175,977 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $217,105 | $217,178▲ |
| Total Employed | 8,970▲ | 230 |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Maria.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Santa Maria is $5,328 (3.82%). 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 Maria spans $131,273. 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, Santa Maria ($128,269 effective) pays 0.54% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($144,882/year)
- ✓Larger job market (8,970 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Maria if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($217,178)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,269)
- ✓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 41.0% growth in Santa Maria over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$113,030 (2019) → $139,780 (2025)
Santa Maria, CA
$95,480 (2019) → $134,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Maria, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Los Angeles or Santa Maria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Santa Maria?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Santa Maria as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Los Angeles vs Santa Maria?
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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