Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Chico, CA: $65.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Chico, CA runs $65.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,219 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Chico's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,335 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chico, California, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers is projected to be $65.97 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $60.11. This competitive pay reflects the specialized skill set of these professionals, particularly in settings such as semiconductor fabrication clean rooms and utility engineering fields. For part-time engineers working three days a week, the hourly pay translates into a substantial income while allowing for flexibility, especially in roles within tech firms or defense contracting. The hourly wage range varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $42.83, while seasoned professionals can command upwards of $102.25 per hour, demonstrating the diversity within the local job market.
About the Chico 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) | $42.83 | $342.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.18 | $409.46 |
| Median (P50) | $65.97 | $527.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.44 | $675.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.25 | $818.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chico
Based on $65.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.97/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chico, CA can expect to earn approximately $137,224 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,168. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chico.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chico
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,638.93 | $11,435 | $137,224 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,583.36 | $6,861 | $82,335 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,055.57 | $4,574 | $54,890 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Chico) | $65.97 |
| 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 Chico, CA earn a median of $137,219 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.75% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 0.10% above the California state average of $137,082.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.97/hr = $82,335/year (purchasing power: $72,798).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,224/year (purchasing power: $121,330).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.99/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $71.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $75.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Chico grew 22.4% from $51.99/hr (2019) to $63.65/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.38/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 Chico 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 Chico
For those considering part-time work, an electrical engineer in Chico working 24 hours a week could expect an annual take-home income that is considerably lower than full-timers, yet still notable when factoring in the flexibility and work-life balance that comes with fewer hours. Per-diem electrical engineer pay in Chico can reach between $90 and $170 per hour, particularly for contract work in chip design or defense-related projects, with specialized roles such as expert witnesses potentially earning between $300 and $600 hourly. The employer type also impacts pay; high-tech companies can offer more competitive rates than utility firms, which, while often lagging in direct pay, frequently provide benefits such as pensions that may appeal to some engineers. Negotiation tips for hourly workers include emphasizing unique qualifications, such as security clearances or specialized expertise, to justify higher pay while also weighing the trade-off between hourly rates and benefits packages.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 Chico. 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 Chico 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