Electrical Engineer Salary in Mission Viejo, CA: $138,424 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Mission Viejo, CA earns a median $138,424/year (≈ $66.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Mission Viejo's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $122,391 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mission Viejo, electrical engineers are projected to earn a median annual salary of $138,424 in 2026, reflecting the strong demand for specialized skills within the local job market. The full salary range for this role spans from $87,124 at the 10th percentile to a high of $206,734 at the 90th percentile, showcasing significant earning potential based on experience and area of expertise. This data, derived from state-level estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parity, indicates a robust compensation structure that supports diverse industries. With the growing emphasis on semiconductor and chip design, which typically commands higher salaries compared to more traditional roles in utility power systems or cleared defense work, Mission Viejo offers a competitive environment for electrical engineers looking to advance their careers.
About the Mission Viejo Market
Salary estimated from California average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,124 | $41.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $104,948 | $50.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $138,424 | $66.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $173,272 | $83.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $206,734 | $99.39 |
Median Salary Position
10.71% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mission Viejo
In Mission Viejo, CA, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $119,610 (2026 est.). At $138,424, the local median is 10.71% above the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mission Viejo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mission Viejo Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Mission Viejo median: $138,424/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mission Viejo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $137,189 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $125,033 | +10.71% more |
Electrical Engineers in Mission Viejo, CA earn a median of $138,424 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.71% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 0.90% above the California state average of $137,189.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mission Viejo has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Mission Viejo, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $138,424 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $122,391 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,082
2025 BLS Actual
$133,549
2026 Current Est.
$138,424
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Mission Viejo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,082 | Actual |
| 2020 | $111,628 | Actual |
| 2021 | $111,175 | Actual |
| 2022 | $114,385 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,404 | Actual |
| 2024 | $157,527 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,549 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,424 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,476 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mission Viejo metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $109,082 (2019) to $133,549 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,476 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,394 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mission Viejo 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) | $87,124 – $104,948 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $104,948 – $138,424 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $138,424 – $173,272 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $173,272 – $206,734 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Mission Viejo
The job market for electrical engineers in Mission Viejo is relatively localized, with approximately 23 professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index in Mission Viejo stands at 113.1, indicating that while salaries are competitive, housing and general expenses are slightly above the national average, which can influence take-home pay. Top employers include major tech firms like Intel and Nvidia, renowned for their roles in chip design, as well as established defense contractors like Lockheed Martin. The range in salaries often reflects industry differences, with semiconductor industries offering a pay premium for technical roles requiring advanced degrees and security clearance, while utility positions provide stability with potentially lower cash compensation. For those entering the market, maximizing salary potential can involve focusing on high-demand sectors, pursuing advanced credentials like the PE license, and considering the balance between individual contributor and managerial paths.
More salary data for Mission Viejo, 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
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 $133,549 for electrical engineersin the Mission Viejo 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 Mission Viejo 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