Sacramento vs Vacaville: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Sacramento, CA and Vacaville, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Vacaville, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $141,161▲ | $136,865 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.87▲ | $65.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,102 | $88,438▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $108,076▲ | $105,762 |
| 75th Percentile | $177,832▲ | $175,187 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $204,118 | $212,140▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,420▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Vacaville.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Vacaville is $4,296 (3.14%). Sacramento's median is +12.90% 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,Vacaville spans $123,702. Vacaville 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, Sacramento ($132,334 effective) pays 9.36% more than Vacaville ($121,012 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,161/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,334)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Vacaville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($212,140)
- ✓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 -15.2% growth in Vacaville over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$99,260 (2019) → $136,190 (2025)
Vacaville, CA
$155,753 (2024) → $132,045 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Vacaville, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Sacramento or Vacaville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and Vacaville?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to Vacaville as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Sacramento vs Vacaville?
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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