Electrical Engineer Salary in Alameda, CA: $133,199 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Alameda, CA earns a median $133,199/year (≈ $64.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Alameda's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $117,771 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, professionals in electrical engineering in Alameda, California, can expect a median annual salary of $133,199, surpassing the national median by approximately 6.53%. The salary range is notably broad, spanning from $86,291 at the 10th percentile to $206,457 at the 90th percentile, reflecting varied roles and expertise within the field. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for the local cost of living. As the job market for electrical engineers in Alameda evolves, factors such as the security clearance premium for certain roles may significantly influence compensation dynamics, especially for positions related to defense contracting and high-tech industries.
About the Alameda Market
Salary estimated from California average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,291 | $41.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,828 | $49.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $133,199 | $64.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $170,494 | $81.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $206,457 | $99.26 |
Median Salary Position
6.53% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alameda
In Alameda, CA, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $120,166 (2026 est.). At $133,199, the local median is 6.53% above the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Alameda: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Alameda Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Alameda median: $133,199/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Alameda Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $137,177 | -2.90% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | +6.53% more |
Electrical Engineers in Alameda, CA earn a median of $133,199 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.53% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 2.90% below the California state average of $137,177.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Alameda has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Alameda, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $133,199 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $117,771 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$104,965
2025 BLS Actual
$128,508
2026 Current Est.
$133,199
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Alameda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $104,965 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,415 | Actual |
| 2021 | $106,978 | Actual |
| 2022 | $110,068 | Actual |
| 2023 | $113,935 | Actual |
| 2024 | $151,581 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,508 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,199 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,060 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alameda metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $104,965 (2019) to $128,508 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $138,060 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,095 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alameda 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $86,291 – $102,828 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,828 – $133,199 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $133,199 – $170,494 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $170,494 – $206,457 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Alameda
Looking deeper into the local job market, there are currently 12 electrical engineers employed in Alameda, a number that reflects the specialized demands of the area. The cost of living index sits at 113.1, indicating that while salaries may appear competitive, the purchasing power can vary due to higher living expenses. Major employers in the region, such as defense firms like Lockheed Martin and tech giants like Intel and Apple, tend to offer the highest compensation packages, particularly for those with security clearances or advanced degrees. The substantial pay spread is largely influenced by industry sector, with semiconductor roles commanding the highest salaries. To maximize earning potential in this market, professionals should consider pursuing roles in industries such as chip design or defense contracting, where the combination of security clearance and technical expertise can lead to significant financial rewards. Understanding the trajectory between management and individual contributor tracks, along with gaining relevant certifications like PE for power systems, will also be crucial in achieving higher compensation in Alameda's competitive landscape.
More salary data for Alameda, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electrical engineers make in Alameda, CA in 2026?
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Can electrical engineers make $100K in Alameda?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $128,508 for electrical engineersin the Alameda metropolitan area. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alameda 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