Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Livermore, CA: $64.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Livermore, CA runs $64.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,143 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Livermore's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,080 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Livermore, California, the expected electrical engineer hourly pay is projected to hit $64.97 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $60.11. This competitive hourly rate positions electrical engineers in Livermore well among their peers, especially those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For example, an engineer working three days a week would find the pay appealing, earning effectively while maintaining flexibility. Workplace settings such as tech company hardware labs, utility substations, or even semiconductor fabrication facilities provide environments conducive to both project development and innovation, from powering up clean rooms to conducting simulations. Hourly rates in Livermore show a considerable range; entry-level professionals may earn around $41.42, while top earners can command salaries upwards of $100.40 per hour, reflecting the diverse opportunities within various engineering specialties.
About the Livermore 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) | $41.42 | $331.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.86 | $398.85 |
| Median (P50) | $64.97 | $519.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.17 | $665.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.40 | $803.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Livermore
Based on $64.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.97/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Livermore, CA can expect to earn approximately $135,133 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,961. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Livermore.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Livermore
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,598.71 | $11,261 | $135,133 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,559.23 | $6,757 | $81,080 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,039.49 | $4,504 | $54,053 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Livermore) | $64.97 |
| 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 Livermore, CA earn a median of $135,143 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.09% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 1.50% below the California state average of $137,201.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.97/hr = $81,080/year (purchasing power: $71,689).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,133/year (purchasing power: $119,481).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Livermore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $73.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Livermore grew 22.4% from $51.20/hr (2019) to $62.68/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.34/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 Livermore 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 Livermore
Part-time work can be financially rewarding for electrical engineers, even on a reduced schedule of 24 hours per week, as they would still earn a substantial income. Compared to full-time employment, annual earnings differ markedly. Many engineers opt for per-diem roles or independent contracts, often billing rates between $90 and $170 per hour. Specialized positions in fields such as defense can go even higher, with hourly rates for clearance-required roles reaching $150 to $280. Consulting roles in chip design commonly see compensation rates from $200 to $400, reflecting expertise in high-demand sectors. Different employers in Livermore, from tech giants like Apple and Intel to established defense contractors, affect how much engineers can negotiate hourly, with some preferring to accept lower wages for steady benefits such as health insurance. For those looking to negotiate effectively, understanding the local market dynamics and the premium rates tied to specific skills can make a notable difference in ultimately securing better pay.
More salary data for Livermore, 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 Livermore. 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 Livermore 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