Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in San Leandro, CA: $64.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in San Leandro, CA runs $64.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,806 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against San Leandro's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,886 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In San Leandro, California, the electrical engineer hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $64.81, which represents a significant increase when compared to the national hourly median of $60.11. This rate is beneficial for part-time professionals who may work three days a week, allowing for a flexible work-life balance while earning competitive wages in a diverse range of settings. Whether engaged in hands-on tasks in tech company hardware labs, navigating defense contractor environments, or working remotely on CAD and simulation projects, electrical engineers can find rewarding part-time positions. The hourly pay range varies considerably, with entry-level positions starting around $43.15 and top earners in specialized roles achieving rates up to $100.46. These figures highlight the varied opportunities for electrical engineers in San Leandro, driven by both industry demand and local cost considerations.
About the San Leandro 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) | $43.15 | $345.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.95 | $407.63 |
| Median (P50) | $64.81 | $518.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.53 | $644.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.46 | $803.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Leandro
Based on $64.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.81/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Leandro, CA can expect to earn approximately $134,810 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,775. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Leandro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Leandro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,592.49 | $11,234 | $134,810 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,555.50 | $6,740 | $80,886 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,037.00 | $4,494 | $53,924 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (San Leandro) | $64.81 |
| 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 Leandro, CA earn a median of $134,806 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.82% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 1.70% below the California state average of $137,137.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.81/hr = $80,886/year (purchasing power: $71,517).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,810/year (purchasing power: $119,195).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in San Leandro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $73.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in San Leandro grew 22.4% from $51.07/hr (2019) to $62.53/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.18/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 Leandro 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 Leandro
Working part-time as an electrical engineer in San Leandro can result in substantial earnings—even when only clocking in 24 hours a week. Annually, a three-day work schedule might yield around $50,000, a practical income compared to traditional full-time roles. Some professionals may choose to pursue per-diem or agency positions where rates can significantly exceed standard hourly wages; these contracts often bill between $90 and $170 per hour. Specialized roles, particularly in defense and semiconductor industries, command even higher rates, with security-cleared contractors earning anywhere from $150 to $280 per hour. For expert consultants, rates can soar between $200 and $400 per hour, especially in niches like chip design or as expert witnesses. The variation in hourly rates stems from differences among employer types in San Leandro, with tech giants like Tesla or Intel typically offering the highest compensation, while utility companies provide more stability and benefits at lower rates. It's essential for electrical engineers to consider their individual situations—some may opt for higher hourly pay without benefits, while others may choose the stability of employers who offer comprehensive packages. Negotiating effectively for per diem electrical engineer pay in San Leandro requires clarity on market rates and the value of additional benefits when evaluating job offers.
More salary data for San Leandro, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for electrical engineers in San Leandro 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 San Leandro. 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 Leandro 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