Electrical Engineer Salary in San Mateo, CA: $138,604 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in San Mateo, CA earns a median $138,604/year (≈ $66.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in San Mateo's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $122,550 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the compensation for electrical engineers in San Mateo, California, reflects the region's robust market dynamics, with a median annual salary estimated at $138,604. This figure indicates a premium over the national average, which stands at $125,033 for the same year, showcasing a local market that is not only competitive but also accommodates a wide salary range: professionals can expect to earn between $81,283 at the lower end (P10) to as much as $214,836 (P90) at the upper tier. These projections, based on 2025 BLS data, suggest that the demand for electrical engineers remains strong, particularly in sectors like semiconductor design and defense, where security clearances can further enhance compensation opportunities.
About the San Mateo Market
Salary estimated from California average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,283 | $39.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,175 | $52.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $138,604 | $66.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $175,223 | $84.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $214,836 | $103.29 |
Median Salary Position
10.85% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Mateo
In San Mateo, CA, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $133,553 (2026 est.). At $138,604, the local median is 10.85% above the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Mateo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Mateo Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
San Mateo median: $138,604/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Mateo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $137,096 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $125,033 | +10.85% more |
Electrical Engineers in San Mateo, CA earn a median of $138,604 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.85% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 1.10% above the California state average of $137,096.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Mateo has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Mateo, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $138,604 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $122,550 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$109,224
2025 BLS Actual
$133,723
2026 Current Est.
$138,604
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in San Mateo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,224 | Actual |
| 2020 | $111,774 | Actual |
| 2021 | $111,319 | Actual |
| 2022 | $114,534 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,558 | Actual |
| 2024 | $157,733 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,723 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $138,604 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,663 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Mateo metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $109,224 (2019) to $133,723 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,663 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,439 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Mateo 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) | $81,283 – $109,175 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,175 – $138,604 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $138,604 – $175,223 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $175,223 – $214,836 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in San Mateo
Despite the high median salary in this area, living costs reflect the area's comparative economic landscape, with a cost-of-living index of 113.1. This index indicates that while salaries for electrical engineers may seem attractive, the purchasing power may be impacted by local expenses, including housing and utilities. A concentrated workforce of 21 electrical engineers signals a niche market, with top employers such as Apple, Intel, and Tesla offering competitive pay, particularly in semiconductor roles. The disparity in salaries often stems from various factors, including the rigorous expectations of advanced degrees like a PhD or the advantages that come with a security clearance. To maximize pay in this competitive San Mateo market, engineers should consider pursuing positions that blend technical skills with management potential, and actively seek roles with companies invested in cutting-edge technologies, as these sectors generally promise the highest returns on investment.
More salary data for San Mateo, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electrical engineers make in San Mateo, CA in 2026?
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Can electrical engineers make $100K in San Mateo?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted electrical engineer salary in San Mateo?
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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 $133,723 for electrical engineersin the San Mateo 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 San Mateo 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