Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Torrance, CA: $67.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Torrance, CA runs $67.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,501 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Torrance's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $59.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,706 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Torrance, California, an electrical engineer earns a median hourly rate of $67.07, significantly above the national median of $60.11. This elevated rate reflects the region's thriving technology sector and the demand for skilled engineers, particularly in environments such as semiconductor fabrication clean rooms or defense contractor facilities. For those considering part-time opportunities, working just three days a week could yield a substantial income, even when splitting in various contexts—from laboratory work with modern hardware to remote CAD and simulation tasks. The hourly wage range for electrical engineers in Torrance spans from $39.81 at the entry-level to $103.95 for top earners, indicating a wealth of opportunity as professionals gain experience and specialize in areas like microchip design or system integration.
About the Torrance 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) | $39.81 | $318.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.36 | $394.87 |
| Median (P50) | $67.07 | $536.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.84 | $686.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.95 | $831.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Torrance
Based on $67.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.07/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Torrance, CA can expect to earn approximately $139,510 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,486. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Torrance.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Torrance
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,682.88 | $11,626 | $139,510 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,609.73 | $6,975 | $83,706 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,073.15 | $4,650 | $55,804 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Torrance) | $67.07 |
| 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 Torrance, CA earn a median of $139,501 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.57% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 1.70% above the California state average of $137,170.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.07/hr = $83,706/year (purchasing power: $74,010).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,510/year (purchasing power: $123,351).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$52.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Torrance (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $54.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $53.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $76.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Torrance grew 22.4% from $52.85/hr (2019) to $64.71/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.52/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 Torrance 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 Torrance
For part-time electrical engineers in Torrance, working 24 hours a week could yield a take-home income commensurate with full-time roles, yet this differs greatly from conventional full-time positions. Many professionals opt for per-diem or contract roles, often earning between $90 and $170 an hour, while highly specialized positions, particularly in defense or chip design, can demand rates from $150 to $400 per hour, depending on the complexity of the work and the security clearance required. Employers vary widely from tech giants like Apple and Nvidia—who typically offer higher rates—to more stable roles in utilities that may provide pensions but lower hourly wages. Engineers seeking the best compensation must balance factors like health benefits against higher hourly rates in freelance roles. Negotiation strategies tailored to the unique Torrance job market can greatly enhance earning potential, especially when considering the competitive landscape that includes a strong presence of engineering consulting firms and advanced technology companies.
More salary data for Torrance, 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 Torrance. 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 Torrance 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