Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Mission Viejo, CA: $66.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Mission Viejo, CA runs $66.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,424 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Mission Viejo's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,059 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, electrical engineers in Mission Viejo can expect a median hourly rate of $66.55, notably higher than the national median of $60.11. This compensation translates well for both part-time professionals and those working on a per-diem basis, especially in environments such as tech company labs, clean rooms, and SCIFs where they engage with advanced tools and simulation software. For those entering the field, hourly earnings begin around $41.88, while top earners can command up to $99.39. Such rates provide a substantial incentive for skilled engineers to consider positions in high-demand industries, allowing for flexibility in work schedules, particularly beneficial for those preferring a three-day workweek in this vibrant locale of CA.
About the Mission Viejo 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) | $41.88 | $335.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.46 | $403.65 |
| Median (P50) | $66.55 | $532.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.30 | $666.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99.39 | $795.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mission Viejo
Based on $66.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.55/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mission Viejo, CA can expect to earn approximately $138,432 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,864. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Mission Viejo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mission Viejo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,662.15 | $11,536 | $138,432 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,597.29 | $6,922 | $83,059 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,064.86 | $4,614 | $55,373 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Mission Viejo) | $66.55 |
| 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 Mission Viejo, CA earn a median of $138,424 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.71% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 0.90% above the California state average of $137,189.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.55/hr = $83,059/year (purchasing power: $73,439).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,432/year (purchasing power: $122,398).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$52.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Mission Viejo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $75.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Mission Viejo grew 22.4% from $52.45/hr (2019) to $64.21/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.98/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 Mission Viejo 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 Mission Viejo
Evaluating the earning potential for those working as per-diem electrical engineers reveals a stark contrast in financial outcomes compared to full-time employment. For someone working 24 hours a week, typically at a lower hourly pay rate in stable positions, the annual earnings will differ significantly from roles in high-demand sectors where billing can exceed $90 per hour. Security-cleared engineers or specialized consultants in fields such as chip design or patent litigation can see hourly rates soar, with some roles fetching between $200 to $400, offering attractive options for seasoned professionals looking to maximize their income. While companies like Apple, Nvidia, and Tesla lead the technology sector with healthy payrolls, defense contractors present unique opportunities with their security clearance premiums. Engineers must balance the benefits of steady employment with health insurance against the potential for higher pay in contract roles, making negotiation vital for success in Mission Viejo. Understanding these factors can help navigate the complexities of electrical engineer hourly pay in CA.
More salary data for Mission Viejo, 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 Mission Viejo. 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 Mission Viejo 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