Sacramento vs San Jose: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Sacramento, CA and San Jose, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $141,161 | $193,888▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.87 | $93.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,102 | $121,167▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $108,076 | $162,886▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $177,832 | $226,133▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $204,118 | $267,521▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,420 | 4,160▲ |
Verdict
San Jose, CA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between Sacramento and San Jose is $52,727 (37.35%). San Jose's median is +55.07% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $120,016,San Jose spans $146,354. San Jose 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, San Jose ($175,587 effective) pays 32.68% more than Sacramento ($132,334 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Jose if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($193,888/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($267,521)
- ✓Larger job market (4,160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $175,587)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Sacramento grew 37.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.2% growth in San Jose over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$99,260 (2019) → $136,190 (2025)
San Jose, CA
$133,400 (2019) → $187,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
San Jose, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Sacramento or San Jose?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and San Jose?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to San Jose as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Sacramento vs San Jose?
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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