Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Hayward, CA: $66.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Hayward, CA runs $66.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,948 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Hayward's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $59.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,369 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hayward, California, electrical engineers earn a competitive median hourly rate of $66.80, which surpasses the national hourly median of $60.11 by approximately 11.13%. This lucrative pay reflects the unique demands of the role, including the possible need for security clearances in defense contracting settings and expertise in advanced technologies, particularly in local tech hubs like Apple and Intel. For engineers working part-time—say three days a week—this rate provides a solid foundation for financial planning, especially in high-tech environments such as semiconductor fabrication clean rooms or field engineering at utility substations. The hourly range for electrical engineers in Hayward stretches significantly, with entry-level roles starting at around $39.44 and experienced professionals earning up to $103.55 per hour. This variation demonstrates a robust job market where specialized skills in areas like chip design and hardware development can command significantly higher wages.
About the Hayward 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) | $39.44 | $315.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.82 | $422.56 |
| Median (P50) | $66.80 | $534.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.51 | $684.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.55 | $828.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hayward
Based on $66.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.80/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hayward, CA can expect to earn approximately $138,949 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,163. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hayward.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hayward
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,672.10 | $11,579 | $138,949 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,603.26 | $6,947 | $83,369 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,068.84 | $4,632 | $55,580 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Hayward) | $66.80 |
| 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 Hayward, CA earn a median of $138,948 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.13% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 1.30% above the California state average of $137,165.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.80/hr = $83,369/year (purchasing power: $73,713).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,949/year (purchasing power: $122,855).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$52.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Hayward (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $76.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Hayward grew 22.4% from $52.64/hr (2019) to $64.45/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.24/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 Hayward 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 Hayward
For those considering part-time work as electrical engineers, a typical schedule of 24 hours per week can yield an annual income of roughly $83,184, which is quite appealing when compared to full-time positions. Many electrical engineers in Hayward engage in per-diem or contract work, where rates can fluctuate dramatically depending on the employer and the specific role. Per-diem electrical engineers may find themselves billing anywhere from $90 to $170 per hour, while specialists in chip design might bill up to $400 per hour, especially in consultation or expert witness roles. Notably, compensation can vary based on company type, with tech firms often providing higher wages than traditional utilities or consulting environments. However, accepting lower hourly rates at companies with more substantial benefits, such as health insurance, can be a strategic choice for many. This trade-off reflects the broader understanding of value in the industry. Electrical engineers in Hayward should remain aware of their worth and negotiate effectively, recognizing the high demand and diverse opportunities that exist in this rapidly evolving sector.
More salary data for Hayward, 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 Hayward. 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 Hayward 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