Electrical Engineer Salary in Oakland, CA: $176,007 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Oakland, CA earns a median $176,007/year (≈ $84.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Oakland's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $155,621 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 28.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, professionals in the electrical engineering sector in Oakland, California can expect a median annual salary of $176,007, which is significantly above the national median of $125,033. The local salary range for electrical engineers extends from $106,383 at the 10th percentile to as high as $272,811 at the 90th percentile. These figures, based on 2025 BLS estimates projected for 2026 and adjusted for regional cost variations, highlight the financial rewards accompanying electrical engineering roles. Notably, the demand for cleared positions has created an environment where salaries can reach even higher for engineers with security clearances, reflecting the competitive nature of the job market in Oakland.
About the Oakland Market
Salary estimated from California average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,383 | $51.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $130,903 | $62.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $176,007 | $84.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $225,289 | $108.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $272,811 | $131.16 |
Median Salary Position
40.77% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oakland
In Oakland, CA, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $166,428 (2026 est.). At $176,007, the local median is 40.77% above the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oakland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oakland Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Oakland median: $176,007/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oakland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $137,184 | +28.30% more |
| National Average | $125,033 | +40.77% more |
Electrical Engineers in Oakland, CA earn a median of $176,007 per year (2026 est.), which is 40.77% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 28.30% above the California state average of $137,184.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oakland has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Oakland, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $176,007 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $155,621 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$138,699
2025 BLS Actual
$169,809
2026 Current Est.
$176,007
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Oakland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $138,699 | Actual |
| 2020 | $141,937 | Actual |
| 2021 | $141,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $145,442 | Actual |
| 2023 | $150,552 | Actual |
| 2024 | $167,612 | Actual |
| 2025 | $169,809 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $176,007 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $182,431 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oakland metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $138,699 (2019) to $169,809 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $182,431 by 2027 — a total increase of $43,732 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oakland 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) | $106,383 – $130,903 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $130,903 – $176,007 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $176,007 – $225,289 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $225,289 – $272,811 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Oakland
Within Oakland's job market, 78 electrical engineers are currently employed, a number indicative of a robust local industry. The cost-of-living index stands at 113.1, meaning that while salaries are high, a significant portion may be absorbed by everyday expenses, affecting purchasing power. Employers in Oakland vary widely in their compensation packages, with tech giants like Apple and Nvidia often delivering the highest salaries, especially in semiconductor design roles. In contrast, utility companies may offer stable yet lower pay. The spectrum of salaries is influenced by several factors, including industry demand, educational credentials such as PhDs versus bachelor's degrees, and the benefits associated with security clearances. To maximize earnings in this market, electrical engineers should consider pursuing advanced degrees, obtaining relevant certifications like PE licenses, and exploring roles with leading tech or defense firms where compensation packages often include substantial equity and bonus options.
More salary data for Oakland, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electrical engineers make in Oakland, CA in 2026?
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Can electrical engineers make $100K in Oakland?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted electrical engineer salary in Oakland?
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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 $169,809 for electrical engineersin the Oakland 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 Oakland 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