Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Ontario, CA: $55.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Ontario, CA runs $55.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $115,542 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Ontario's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $69,321 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, electrical engineer hourly pay in Ontario, California, stands at a median rate of $55.55, which is notably lower than the national median of $60.11 per hour. This disparity suggests that engineers in Ontario might find more attractive compensation opportunities in larger markets, particularly those in tech hubs or specialized sectors. Given the varied environments in which electrical engineers operate—such as semiconductor fabrication clean rooms, utility fieldwork, and high-security defense contractor facilities—engineers can choose between different working arrangements. For example, part-time engineers working three days a week could earn a decent income while gaining valuable experience. The hourly rate spans from $33.76 for entry-level positions to about $86.01 for highly experienced engineers, allowing for a wide range of professional choices tailored to individual career paths.
About the Ontario 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) | $33.76 | $270.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.30 | $330.44 |
| Median (P50) | $55.55 | $444.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.05 | $568.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86.01 | $688.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ontario
Based on $55.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.55/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ontario, CA can expect to earn approximately $115,536 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $66,655. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ontario.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ontario
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,221.84 | $9,628 | $115,536 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,333.10 | $5,777 | $69,321 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $888.74 | $3,851 | $46,214 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Ontario) | $55.55 |
| 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 Ontario, CA earn a median of $115,542 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.59% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 15.80% below the California state average of $137,223.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.55/hr = $69,321/year (purchasing power: $61,292).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $115,536/year (purchasing power: $102,154).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$53.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Ontario (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $76.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $53.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Ontario grew 22.4% from $43.77/hr (2019) to $53.59/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.57/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 Ontario 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 Ontario
When considering part-time versus full-time roles, electrical engineers in Ontario must weigh their earning potential carefully. A 3-day workweek totaling 24 hours would yield approximately $43,000 annually, significantly less than a full-time salary. Electrical engineers exploring per-diem opportunities often find that contracted roles can command rates between $90 to $170 per hour, tapping into lucrative markets like defense contracting or specialized consulting, where expert witnesses can earn up to $600 per hour. Employers in Ontario vary, with tech giants like Apple and Nvidia leading salaries, particularly in semiconductor design, while utility companies provide stability with lower compensation but benefits packages to attract talent. The trade-off between higher hourly rates and the inclusion of health insurance can greatly influence job selection. Negotiation strategies for electrical engineers should emphasize not only hourly pay but also the total compensation package, balancing earning potential with personal and professional priorities in the vibrant Ontario job market.
More salary data for Ontario, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for electrical engineers in Ontario in 2026?
How much do part-time electrical engineers make in Ontario?
Are electrical engineers in Ontario paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time electrical engineer make per year in Ontario?
Do electrical engineers earn more per hour working part-time in Ontario?
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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 Ontario. 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 Ontario 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