Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Costa Mesa, CA: $66.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Costa Mesa, CA runs $66.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,807 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Costa Mesa's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,684 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Costa Mesa, electrical engineers can expect an impressive hourly median pay of $66.25, which exceeds the national median of $60.11 by a notable margin. This competitive rate is particularly appealing to those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week, or pursuing per-diem opportunities within varied environments like tech company labs, semiconductor fabs, and defense contractor facilities. The hourly pay ranges from $41.63 for entry-level engineers to $102.70 for top earners, allowing for more flexible work arrangements that can suit diverse lifestyles and commitments. Such estimates are derived from 2026 projections based on 2025 BLS data, reflecting the growing demand and complexity of electrical engineering roles in the local market.
About the Costa Mesa 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) | $41.63 | $333.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.30 | $402.41 |
| Median (P50) | $66.25 | $530.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84.81 | $678.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102.70 | $821.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Costa Mesa
Based on $66.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.25/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Costa Mesa, CA can expect to earn approximately $137,806 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,504. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Costa Mesa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Costa Mesa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,650.12 | $11,484 | $137,806 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,590.07 | $6,890 | $82,684 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,060.05 | $4,594 | $55,123 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Costa Mesa) | $66.25 |
| 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 Costa Mesa, CA earn a median of $137,807 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.22% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 0.50% above the California state average of $137,121.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.25/hr = $82,684/year (purchasing power: $73,107).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,806/year (purchasing power: $121,845).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$52.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Costa Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $75.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Costa Mesa grew 22.4% from $52.21/hr (2019) to $63.92/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.67/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 Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa
Exploring the financial realities of part-time engineering work, an electrical engineer who takes on a three-day workweek of 24 hours may earn a substantial income, albeit less than a full-time counterpart. While many choose per-diem contracts, which typically command rates between $90 and $170 per hour, opportunities in the defense sector can offer even higher pay, sometimes ranging from $150 to $280 per hour for those with security clearances. Specialized engineering roles, such as chip design consultants or patent experts, command hourly rates that can reach $400 and more. Employers in Costa Mesa, including giants in tech and defense, vary in compensation, with those in the semiconductor industry generally receiving the highest pay. Engineers often weigh the benefits of employment—such as health insurance—against higher freelance rates. Navigating hourly negotiations can be key, with professional associations like IEEE providing resources to help engineers advocate for their worth in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Costa Mesa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for electrical engineers in Costa Mesa in 2026?
How much do part-time electrical engineers make in Costa Mesa?
Are electrical engineers in Costa Mesa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time electrical engineer make per year in Costa Mesa?
Do electrical engineers earn more per hour working part-time in Costa Mesa?
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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 Costa Mesa. 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 Costa Mesa 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