Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Carlsbad, NM: $53.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Carlsbad, NM runs $53.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,912 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Carlsbad's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $57.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,148 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carlsbad, New Mexico, the electrical engineer hourly pay stands at $53.80, which is below the national average of $60.11. This rate is particularly relevant for those considering part-time roles, as working three days a week could yield a substantial income even without full-time hours. For individuals seeking flexible arrangements or per-diem opportunities, the environment includes varied settings such as tech companies, semiconductor fabrications, and defense contractor facilities. Hourly earnings can range widely, from $35.40 for entry-level positions to as high as $78.78 for top earners. These figures are estimated based on the annual salary data, reflecting both the competitive nature of the field and the plethora of specialized tasks associated with electrical engineering.
About the Carlsbad Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.40 | $283.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.95 | $335.58 |
| Median (P50) | $53.80 | $430.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.84 | $534.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.78 | $630.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carlsbad
Based on $53.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.80/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carlsbad, NM can expect to earn approximately $111,914 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,566. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carlsbad.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carlsbad
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,152.19 | $9,326 | $111,914 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,291.31 | $5,596 | $67,148 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $860.88 | $3,730 | $44,766 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Carlsbad) | $53.80 |
| 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 Carlsbad, NM earn a median of $111,912 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.49% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 5.20% below the New Mexico state average of $118,051.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.80/hr = $67,148/year (purchasing power: $71,132).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,914/year (purchasing power: $118,553).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Carlsbad (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Carlsbad grew 22.4% from $42.40/hr (2019) to $51.91/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.77/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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad
Evaluating the earning potential for a part-time engineer working around 24 hours weekly sheds light on the financial benefits of flexible work arrangements. Conversely, per diem electrical engineer pay in Carlsbad can significantly exceed hourly rates seen in traditional roles. Contract professionals may charge between $90 and $170 per hour, with those in specialized fields such as signal integrity or expert witness roles potentially earning $300 to $600 per hour. Hourly compensation also varies across employer types: tech giants like Apple and Intel generally offer higher rates compared to utility companies, which provide more stability and benefits like pensions. Engineers must weigh the trade-offs between hourly wages and benefits when negotiating positions, ensuring they align their career trajectories—whether towards chip design or cleared defense work—with their long-term professional goals.
More salary data for Carlsbad, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for electrical engineers in Carlsbad in 2026?
How much do part-time electrical engineers make in Carlsbad?
Are electrical engineers in Carlsbad paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time electrical engineer make per year in Carlsbad?
Do electrical engineers earn more per hour working part-time in Carlsbad?
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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 Carlsbad. 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 Carlsbad 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