Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Anaheim, CA: $70.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Anaheim, CA runs $70.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $147,461 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Anaheim's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $62.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,479 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Anaheim, California, the electrical engineer hourly pay stands at a median of $70.90, significantly above the national median of $60.11. This attractive hourly rate offers substantial opportunities for those seeking part-time or per-diem positions, often found in environments like tech company hardware labs, semiconductor fabrication clean rooms, and defense contractor facilities. With entry-level roles starting at approximately $42.25, engineers in this field can find themselves earning upwards of $109.89 as experienced professionals or specialists. Electrical engineers operating on an hourly basis can also anticipate a diverse range of work settings, balancing between routine lab tasks and engaging project management in dynamic, high-tech projects.
About the Anaheim Market
Salary estimated from California average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42.25 | $337.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.31 | $418.50 |
| Median (P50) | $70.90 | $567.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.75 | $725.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.89 | $879.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Anaheim
Based on $70.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.90/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Anaheim, CA can expect to earn approximately $147,465 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,076. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Anaheim.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Anaheim
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,835.86 | $12,289 | $147,465 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,701.52 | $7,373 | $88,479 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,134.35 | $4,915 | $58,986 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Anaheim) | $70.90 |
| Mechanical Engineer (National Avg) | $48.61 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer (National Avg) | $69.00 |
| Electronics Engineer (National Avg) | $58.25 |
| Electrical Engineering Technician (National Avg) | $35.08 |
Electrical Engineers in Anaheim, CA earn a median of $147,461 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.94% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 7.50% above the California state average of $137,173.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.90/hr = $88,479/year (purchasing power: $78,231).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $147,465/year (purchasing power: $130,385).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$55.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$68.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Anaheim (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $56.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $58.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $60.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $80.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $68.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Anaheim grew 22.4% from $55.87/hr (2019) to $68.40/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.48/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem electrical engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Anaheim 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.
Working as an Hourly Electrical Engineer in Anaheim
When considering the earnings potential of a part-time electrical engineer working three days a week, the financial outlook can be quite favorable. For example, consistently working 24 hours weekly at the median hourly rate potentially yields an impressive annual income, although it would still fall short of the full-time capacity. Per-diem electrical engineer pay in Anaheim reflects this trend, as contract workers can bill between $90-$170 for general services. Those in areas requiring security clearance for defense projects tend to command even higher rates, ranging from $150 to $280 per hour. Specialized skills in chip design may lead to earnings of $200 to $400 per hour, showcasing how employer type influences hourly compensation. The choice between higher hourly rates with no benefits and more stable, lower-paying positions offering benefits is something many engineers in Anaheim weigh carefully. Negotiation strategies can enhance earnings in this competitive market, where a clear understanding of skills demand and industry trends can empower professionals seeking to maximize their financial outcomes.
More salary data for Anaheim, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for electrical engineers in Anaheim in 2026?
How much do part-time electrical engineers make in Anaheim?
Are electrical engineers in Anaheim paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time electrical engineer make per year in Anaheim?
Do electrical engineers earn more per hour working part-time in Anaheim?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for electrical engineers in Anaheim. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Anaheim 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