San Francisco vs San Mateo: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between San Francisco, CA and San Mateo, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | San Mateo, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $172,090▲ | $138,604 |
| Hourly Rate | $82.73▲ | $66.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,059▲ | $81,283 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,272▲ | $109,175 |
| 75th Percentile | $211,954▲ | $175,223 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $227,066▲ | $214,836 |
| Total Employed | 2,470▲ | 21 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to San Mateo.
The salary gap between San Francisco and San Mateo is $33,486 (24.16%). San Francisco's median is +37.64% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $126,007,San Mateo spans $133,553. San Mateo 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 Francisco ($148,850 effective) pays 21.46% more than San Mateo ($122,550 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($172,090/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($227,066)
- ✓Larger job market (2,470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,850)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Mateo if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in San Francisco grew 35.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -15.2% growth in San Mateo over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$122,350 (2019) → $166,030 (2025)
San Mateo, CA
$157,733 (2024) → $133,723 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
San Mateo, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: San Francisco or San Mateo?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and San Mateo?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to San Mateo as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in San Francisco vs San Mateo?
Related Comparisons
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