Electrical Engineer Salary in Glendale, CA: $137,984 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Glendale, CA earns a median $137,984/year (≈ $66.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Glendale's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $122,002 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Glendale, California, offers a competitive median annual salary of $137,984 for electrical engineers, significantly above the national median of $125,033. The local salary range spans from $90,357 at the 10th percentile to an impressive $213,876 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from state-level Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data and adjusted for regional costs, suggest that individuals in this field can expect serious earning potential. The current job market in Glendale reflects a robust demand for skilled electrical engineers, particularly in industries benefiting from a security clearance premium, which can further increase earning capacity.
About the Glendale Market
Salary estimated from California average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $90,357 | $43.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $107,951 | $51.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,984 | $66.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $176,620 | $84.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $213,876 | $102.82 |
Median Salary Position
10.36% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Glendale
In Glendale, CA, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $123,519 (2026 est.). At $137,984, the local median is 10.36% above the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Glendale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Glendale Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Glendale median: $137,984/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Glendale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $137,161 | +0.60% more |
| National Average | $125,033 | +10.36% more |
Electrical Engineers in Glendale, CA earn a median of $137,984 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.36% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 0.60% above the California state average of $137,161.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Glendale has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Glendale, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $137,984 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $122,002 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,736
2025 BLS Actual
$133,125
2026 Current Est.
$137,984
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Glendale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,736 | Actual |
| 2020 | $111,274 | Actual |
| 2021 | $110,822 | Actual |
| 2022 | $114,022 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,028 | Actual |
| 2024 | $157,027 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,125 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,984 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,020 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Glendale metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $108,736 (2019) to $133,125 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,020 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,284 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Glendale 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) | $90,357 – $107,951 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $107,951 – $137,984 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,984 – $176,620 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $176,620 – $213,876 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Glendale
Amidst a workforce of just 36 electrical engineers in Glendale, the cost of living index stands at 113.1, indicating that while salaries are higher than the national average, expenses here are also elevated. Major employers in the area, including tech giants such as Apple and Nvidia, as well as defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Boeing, typically offer the highest salaries. The variance in electrical engineer pay in Glendale, CA, largely stems from industry differences, with the semiconductor sector and defense roles being the highest-paying due to the inherent security clearance premiums. Engineers hoping to maximize their salaries should consider pursuing advanced degrees, securing roles in high-demand sectors, or leveraging equity opportunities available at top tech firms.
More salary data for Glendale, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electrical engineers make in Glendale, CA in 2026?
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Can electrical engineers make $100K in Glendale?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted electrical engineer salary in Glendale?
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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 $133,125 for electrical engineersin the Glendale 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 Glendale 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