Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Lakewood, CA: $64.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Lakewood, CA runs $64.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,665 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,200 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, California, the electrical engineer hourly pay stands at $64.26, notably higher than the national median of $60.11. This competitive rate benefits those engaged in part-time or per-diem work, commonly found in settings like tech company labs or semiconductor fabrication clean rooms. For instance, an electrical engineer working three days a week could enjoy a manageable work-life balance while still earning a respectable paycheck. The hourly pay scale ranges from an entry-level $41.99 to the upper echelon of $97.90, accommodating a variety of experience levels and areas of specialty within the field. Given that these rates are derived from annual salary estimates, they reflect the potential for earnings across various engineering environments in Lakewood, from utility substations to sophisticated design engineering in a remote or hybrid setup.
About the Lakewood 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) | $41.99 | $335.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.47 | $387.73 |
| Median (P50) | $64.26 | $514.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81.59 | $652.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.90 | $783.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $64.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.26/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, CA can expect to earn approximately $133,667 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,116. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,570.52 | $11,139 | $133,667 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,542.31 | $6,683 | $80,200 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,028.21 | $4,456 | $53,467 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Lakewood) | $64.26 |
| 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 Lakewood, CA earn a median of $133,665 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.90% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 2.50% below the California state average of $137,092.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.26/hr = $80,200/year (purchasing power: $70,911).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,667/year (purchasing power: $118,185).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$50.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $73.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Lakewood grew 22.4% from $50.64/hr (2019) to $62.00/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $66.61/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Considering a part-time electrical engineer working 24 hours a week, their annual take-home could reach a significant amount, especially compared to full-time counterparts. Engaging in per diem electrical engineer pay in Lakewood often varies widely; independent contractors may bill between $90-$170 per hour, while those with security clearances in defense contracting can see rates soar to $150-$280. For niche roles like chip design consultants, rates can escalate to $200-$400 per hour, indicating the high value placed on specialized skills. These dynamics differ across employer types, with tech giants like Apple and Nvidia typically offering higher compensation compared to traditional utility firms. Some electrical engineers might prefer a lower hourly rate in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, creating a strategic choice based on personal circumstances. Salary negotiation in Lakewood can be context-sensitive, so understanding regional demand and industry standards is key for optimizing pay.
More salary data for Lakewood, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for electrical engineers in Lakewood 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
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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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