Entry-Level Electrical Engineer Salary in Moreno Valley, CA: $85,167 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electrical engineers entering the Moreno Valley, CA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,167 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 17-2071, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moreno Valley's local price level (BEA RPP 113.1 — 13% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,302 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($138,421) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the electrical engineering field in Moreno Valley, CA, can anticipate a starting electrical engineer salary around $85,167 in 2026. Given that the median annual salary for electrical engineers in the city is projected at $138,421, entry-level salaries reflect just over 61% of the city's median earnings. However, this gap isn't unusual as early-career engineers can expect to progress through their initial years—transitioning from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile, where salaries reach approximately $104,103 over a few years. Moreno Valley emerges as a favorable job market for new electrical engineering graduates, especially with the region's mix of tech and utility sectors, providing ample opportunities for early-career positions and growth in the engineering field.
About the Moreno Valley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moreno Valley
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moreno Valley
Entry-level electrical engineers in Moreno Valley, CA typically start between $85,167 and $104,103 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $129,386 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $138,421 — 10.71% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical engineering program cost in California of $95,000 represents just 111.55% of the starting electrical engineer pay ($85,167/year) in Moreno Valley. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates cover ABET-accredited undergraduate electrical engineering programs at public and private universities. Many electrical engineers pursue master's degrees or specialization in power, controls, or electronics.
EE Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Moreno Valley
- 1Research the Moreno Valley market: entry-level electrical engineer pay ranges from $85,167 to $104,103, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the electrical engineering field — employers in CA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Moreno Valley, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Moreno Valley for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Moreno Valley's above-average cost of living (index: 113.1) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Electrical Engineer Compensation Range
The electrical engineer wage spread in Moreno Valley is $129,386 ( 151.92%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,167, experienced hygienists can earn up to $214,553.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$67,645
2025 BLS Actual
$82,168
2026 Current Est.
$85,167
2019–2027 Growth
+30.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Moreno Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,645 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,631 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,937 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,286 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,407 | Actual |
| 2024 | $101,820 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,168 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,167 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,276 | Projected |
Entry-level electrical engineer compensation (10th percentile) in Moreno Valley, CA grew 21.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $67,645 in 2019 to $82,168 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $88,276. New graduates entering the Moreno Valley job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moreno Valley metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.65% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your electrical engineering Career in Moreno Valley
In terms of employment prospects, several employers in Moreno Valley actively recruit new graduates in electrical engineering. Companies within the semiconductor industry, such as Intel and Nvidia, are particularly valuable for newcomers due to their structured training programs and competitive salaries. Such employers recognize the importance of credentials like a Bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited program and encourage passing the FE exam to obtain the EIT designation, which can lead to better compensation over time. Additionally, while defense contractors like Lockheed Martin seek candidates with security clearances, new grads in utility roles may find long-term security with a pension despite lower starting salaries. Given the upward growth trajectory in the semiconductor sector, early-career engineers may find themselves in a lucrative position quickly, especially if they continue their education or pursue PE licenses, enhancing their job security and salary potential throughout their careers in CA.
More salary data for Moreno Valley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electrical engineers in Moreno Valley in 2026?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new electrical engineering graduates. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Moreno Valley. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moreno Valley is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.65%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electrical engineers (SOC 17-2071).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov