Electrical Engineer Salary in Sunnyvale, CA: $198,440 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Sunnyvale, CA earns a median $198,440/year (≈ $95.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Sunnyvale's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $175,455 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 44.7% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, electrical engineers in Sunnyvale, CA can expect a median annual salary of $198,440, significantly surpassing the national median, which stands at $125,033. The compensation spectrum in this region ranges from $123,695 at the 10th percentile to $307,582 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust earning potential for both early-career and experienced professionals. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect adjustments for local cost of living and market demand. The competitive landscape in Sunnyvale provides engineers with opportunities to choose between the individual contributor (IC) path or pursuing management roles, which can substantially influence total compensation levels.
About the Sunnyvale Market
Salary estimated from California average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $123,695 | $59.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $149,911 | $72.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $198,440 | $95.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $254,004 | $122.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $307,582 | $147.88 |
Median Salary Position
58.71% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sunnyvale
In Sunnyvale, CA, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $183,887 (2026 est.). At $198,440, the local median is 58.71% above the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sunnyvale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sunnyvale Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Sunnyvale median: $198,440/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sunnyvale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $137,139 | +44.70% more |
| National Average | $125,033 | +58.71% more |
Electrical Engineers in Sunnyvale, CA earn a median of $198,440 per year (2026 est.), which is 58.71% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 44.70% above the California state average of $137,139.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sunnyvale has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sunnyvale, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $198,440 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $175,455 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$156,377
2025 BLS Actual
$191,452
2026 Current Est.
$198,440
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Sunnyvale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $156,377 | Actual |
| 2020 | $160,027 | Actual |
| 2021 | $159,377 | Actual |
| 2022 | $163,979 | Actual |
| 2023 | $169,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $161,340 | Actual |
| 2025 | $191,452 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $198,440 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $205,683 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sunnyvale metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $156,377 (2019) to $191,452 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $205,683 by 2027 — a total increase of $49,306 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sunnyvale 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) | $123,695 – $149,911 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $149,911 – $198,440 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $198,440 – $254,004 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $254,004 – $307,582 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Sunnyvale
The job market for electrical engineers in Sunnyvale remains strong, with 26 professionals currently employed in the area, mainly thanks to the concentration of leading tech companies and defense contractors. The cost-of-living index at 113.1 suggests that while salaries are impressive, engineers must account for higher living expenses. Employers such as Apple, Nvidia, and Intel lead the pack in salary offerings, particularly in chip and hardware design. Those working in defense, like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, benefit from a premium for security clearances. This pay disparity stems from the varying demands of the semiconductor industry compared to other sectors such as utilities and automotive. To maximize earnings, aspiring engineers should focus on pursuing advanced credentials like a master’s degree or a PE license and consider the implications of their career track choice, as transitioning into management can lead to higher salaries.
More salary data for Sunnyvale, 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 $191,452 for electrical engineersin the Sunnyvale 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 Sunnyvale 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