Electrical Engineer Salary in Ontario, CA: $115,542 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Ontario, CA earns a median $115,542/year (≈ $55.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Ontario's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $102,159 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 15.8% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the electrical engineer salary in Ontario, CA, is projected to reach a median of $115,542 annually. This figure reflects a competitive market when compared to the national median of $125,033, indicating a slight dip of approximately 7.59% locally. Electrical engineers in Ontario can expect to earn within a salary range from $70,208 at the 10th percentile to $178,897 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the significant potential for income growth based on experience, specialization, and the choice between an individual contributor (IC) and management career track. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, taking into account local market conditions and cost adjustments that can influence overall compensation and job opportunities within the region.
About the Ontario Market
Salary estimated from California average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,208 | $33.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,913 | $41.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $115,542 | $55.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $147,782 | $71.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $178,897 | $86.01 |
Median Salary Position
7.59% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ontario
In Ontario, CA, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $108,689 (2026 est.). At $115,542, the local median is 7.59% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ontario: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ontario Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Ontario median: $115,542/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ontario Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $137,223 | -15.80% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | -7.59% less |
Electrical Engineers in Ontario, CA earn a median of $115,542 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.59% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 15.80% below the California state average of $137,223.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ontario has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ontario, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $115,542 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $102,159 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$91,051
2025 BLS Actual
$111,473
2026 Current Est.
$115,542
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Ontario (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $91,051 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,176 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,797 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,477 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,831 | Actual |
| 2024 | $159,764 | Actual |
| 2025 | $111,473 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $115,542 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $119,759 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ontario metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $91,051 (2019) to $111,473 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $119,759 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,708 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ontario 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) | $70,208 – $85,913 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,913 – $115,542 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $115,542 – $147,782 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $147,782 – $178,897 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Ontario
On the ground in Ontario, the local job market supports about 42 electrical engineers, offering some stability in employment opportunities within this field. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, individuals must consider how expenses impact their take-home pay, potentially narrowing the effective purchasing power despite competitive salaries. Major employers such as tech giants like Tesla and Apple typically drive the highest wages, particularly in semiconductor and chip design roles, where specialized skills command premiums. The varying income levels are influenced by job sector; for instance, defense contractors offer competitive salaries but often require security clearances, while utility and power systems positions typically lag in pay but provide benefits like pensions and stability. To maximize compensation, electrical engineers in Ontario should focus on sectors like the semiconductor industry or pursue advanced degrees and relevant credentials, such as a PE license, which can elevate earnings potential while navigating the distinctions between IC and management roles in their career progression.
More salary data for Ontario, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electrical engineers make in Ontario, CA in 2026?
Is Ontario, CA a good place to work as a electrical engineer?
Can electrical engineers make $100K in Ontario?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted electrical engineer salary in Ontario?
How much does a electrical engineer make per hour in Ontario?
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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 $111,473 for electrical engineersin the Ontario 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 Ontario 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