San Francisco vs Santa Ana: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between San Francisco, CA and Santa Ana, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Santa Ana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $172,090▲ | $145,315 |
| Hourly Rate | $82.73▲ | $69.86 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,059▲ | $84,661 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,272▲ | $105,748 |
| 75th Percentile | $211,954▲ | $186,003 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $227,066▲ | $225,239 |
| Total Employed | 2,470▲ | 69 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Ana.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Santa Ana is $26,775 (18.43%). 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,Santa Ana spans $140,578. Santa Ana 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 15.85% more than Santa Ana ($128,484 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 Santa Ana 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 Santa Ana over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$122,350 (2019) → $166,030 (2025)
Santa Ana, CA
$165,370 (2024) → $140,198 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Santa Ana, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: San Francisco or Santa Ana?
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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