Electrical Engineer Salary in South Gate, CA: $135,099 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in South Gate, CA earns a median $135,099/year (≈ $64.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in South Gate's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $119,451 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Electrical engineers in South Gate, CA can expect a median annual salary of $135,099 in 2026, reflecting a positive shift in compensation trends within this market when compared to the national median of $125,033. The salary range is quite broad, with the lowest earners making approximately $89,995 and the top talent earning as much as $208,665. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parity, capture a thriving local job market. South Gate offers unique opportunities that often hinge on the demand for specialized skills, including roles requiring security clearances in defense and advanced positions within the semiconductor industry, further driving the local electrical engineer pay landscape.
About the South Gate Market
Salary estimated from California average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,995 | $43.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,609 | $49.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $135,099 | $64.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,928 | $83.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $208,665 | $100.32 |
Median Salary Position
8.05% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Gate
In South Gate, CA, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $118,670 (2026 est.). At $135,099, the local median is 8.05% above the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Gate: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Gate Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
South Gate median: $135,099/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Gate Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $137,157 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | +8.05% more |
Electrical Engineers in South Gate, CA earn a median of $135,099 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.05% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 1.50% below the California state average of $137,157.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Gate has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Gate, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $135,099 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $119,451 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$106,463
2025 BLS Actual
$130,342
2026 Current Est.
$135,099
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in South Gate (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $106,463 | Actual |
| 2020 | $108,948 | Actual |
| 2021 | $108,505 | Actual |
| 2022 | $111,638 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,561 | Actual |
| 2024 | $153,745 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,342 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,099 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,031 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Gate metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $106,463 (2019) to $130,342 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,031 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,568 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Gate 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) | $89,995 – $103,609 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,609 – $135,099 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $135,099 – $172,928 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,928 – $208,665 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in South Gate
In terms of job market strength, there are around 25 electrical engineers currently employed in South Gate, indicating a tight-knit community with varying levels of expertise. The cost of living in this area is indexed at 113.1, which means that while salaries may appear competitive, they might not stretch as far when accounting for essential living expenses. Employers in the region, particularly in the defense contracting sector or tech giants like Tesla and Apple, tend to offer higher compensation packages, addressing the security clearance premium and other industry standards. To maximize earnings in South Gate, electrical engineers should focus on obtaining advanced degrees or specific certifications that can elevate their roles within semiconductor and chip design industries. Meanwhile, those with management ambitions must navigate the trade-off between leadership positions and individual contributor roles, each offering distinct benefits and compensation structures.
More salary data for South Gate, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electrical engineers make in South Gate, CA in 2026?
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Can electrical engineers make $100K in South Gate?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted electrical engineer salary in South Gate?
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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 $130,342 for electrical engineersin the South Gate 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 South Gate 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