San Diego vs Sacramento: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between San Diego, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,915 | $141,161▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.42 | $67.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,003 | $84,102▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $97,079 | $108,076▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $168,265 | $177,832▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $212,078▲ | $204,118 |
| Total Employed | 2,400▲ | 1,420 |
Verdict
San Diego and Sacramento are closely matched on overall electrical engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between San Diego and Sacramento is $9,246 (7.01%). 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 San Diego spans $129,075,Sacramento spans $120,016. San Diego 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, Sacramento ($132,334 effective) pays 12.24% more than San Diego ($117,900 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($212,078)
- ✓Larger job market (2,400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,161/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,334)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in San Diego grew 22.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 37.2% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$104,080 (2019) → $127,270 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$99,260 (2019) → $136,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: San Diego or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Sacramento as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in San Diego vs Sacramento?
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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