Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in San Clemente, CA: $65.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in San Clemente, CA runs $65.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,392 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against San Clemente's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,830 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the electrical engineer hourly pay in San Clemente, California, is projected to be $65.57, representing a significant increase over the national median of $60.11. This premium reflects the area's higher cost of living and its diverse employment opportunities. For part-time engineers working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into robust earnings, providing a sustainable option for professionals pursuing work-life balance. The hourly pay ranges from $39.64 for entry-level positions up to $101.64 for top earners, allowing for a broad spectrum of opportunities in various settings like tech company labs, semiconductor fabrication clean rooms, and specialized consulting roles. As firms seek skilled individuals, the projections suggest that hourly rates in San Clemente may attract both local talent and those considering relocation to the area.
About the San Clemente 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) | $39.64 | $317.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.04 | $408.30 |
| Median (P50) | $65.57 | $524.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.94 | $671.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101.64 | $813.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Clemente
Based on $65.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.57/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Clemente, CA can expect to earn approximately $136,383 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,683. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Clemente.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Clemente
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,622.76 | $11,365 | $136,383 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,573.66 | $6,819 | $81,830 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,049.10 | $4,546 | $54,553 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (San Clemente) | $65.57 |
| 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 San Clemente, CA earn a median of $136,392 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.08% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 0.60% below the California state average of $137,215.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.57/hr = $81,830/year (purchasing power: $72,352).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,383/year (purchasing power: $120,587).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in San Clemente (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $74.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in San Clemente grew 22.4% from $51.67/hr (2019) to $63.26/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.96/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 San Clemente 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 San Clemente
For those contemplating part-time work, an electrical engineer working just 24 hours a week can still accrue a competitive annual income compared to full-time positions. Per-diem electrical engineer pay in San Clemente can vary dramatically, with contract work often billed anywhere from $90 to $170 per hour. Consultants with specific skills like chip design or signal integrity command rates of $200 to $400, especially when serving clients in the semiconductor sector or as expert witnesses in legal cases, where hourly pay can reach $300 to $600. Employers in San Clemente also differ in their compensation structures; while tech companies may offer higher hourly rates, defense contractors may provide extensive benefits that some professionals find valuable despite lower cash compensation. Understanding these dynamics is crucial, so engineers should weigh benefit packages against hourly wages, ensuring they negotiate according to their specific career goals, whether they seek stability or are open to lucrative freelance opportunities.
More salary data for San Clemente, 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 San Clemente. 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 San Clemente 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