San Francisco vs San Rafael: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between San Francisco, CA and San Rafael, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | San Rafael, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $172,090▲ | $139,151 |
| Hourly Rate | $82.73▲ | $66.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,059▲ | $88,633 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,272▲ | $106,395 |
| 75th Percentile | $211,954▲ | $175,131 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $227,066▲ | $208,867 |
| Total Employed | 2,470▲ | 11 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to San Rafael.
The salary gap between San Francisco and San Rafael is $32,939 (23.67%). 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 Rafael spans $120,234. San Francisco 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, San Francisco ($148,850 effective) pays 20.98% more than San Rafael ($123,034 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 Rafael 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 Rafael over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$122,350 (2019) → $166,030 (2025)
San Rafael, CA
$158,355 (2024) → $134,251 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
San Rafael, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: San Francisco or San Rafael?
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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