Electrical Engineer Salary in Tustin, CA: $137,011 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Tustin, CA earns a median $137,011/year (≈ $65.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Tustin's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $121,141 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, electrical engineers in Tustin, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $137,011, offering a competitive edge over the national median of $125,033. The salary spectrum ranges significantly, with the lower 10% earning approximately $83,394, while the top 90% can command up to $206,772. This estimate, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, illustrates how Tustin's job market, particularly in high-tech sectors like semiconductor design and defense contracting, impacts pay scales. Given the city’s proximity to major tech companies, engineers focused on chip design are likely to see the highest compensation, reflecting industry demand and local economic dynamics.
About the Tustin Market
Salary estimated from California average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,394 | $40.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,167 | $49.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,011 | $65.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $172,793 | $83.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $206,772 | $99.41 |
Median Salary Position
9.58% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tustin
In Tustin, CA, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $123,378 (2026 est.). At $137,011, the local median is 9.58% above the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tustin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tustin Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Tustin median: $137,011/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tustin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $137,148 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | +9.58% more |
Electrical Engineers in Tustin, CA earn a median of $137,011 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.58% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 0.10% below the California state average of $137,148.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tustin has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tustin, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $137,011 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $121,141 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$107,969
2025 BLS Actual
$132,186
2026 Current Est.
$137,011
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Tustin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,969 | Actual |
| 2020 | $110,489 | Actual |
| 2021 | $110,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $113,218 | Actual |
| 2023 | $117,195 | Actual |
| 2024 | $155,920 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,186 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,011 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,012 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tustin metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $107,969 (2019) to $132,186 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $142,012 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,043 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tustin 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) | $83,394 – $102,167 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,167 – $137,011 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,011 – $172,793 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $172,793 – $206,772 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Tustin
Tustin’s job market for electrical engineers is relatively small, with only 18 professionals currently employed in the area. However, the local cost-of-living index of 113.1 implies that salaries should be assessed against the purchasing power reality in this region. Major employers in Tustin, such as Apple, Intel, Tesla, and defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, are known to provide higher compensation packages, often including stock options or bonuses that further bolster overall earnings. The disparity in salaries can often be traced to the industry; roles in semiconductor design yield significantly more than utility or power system positions. For engineers keen on maximizing their electrical engineer pay in Tustin, pursuing advanced degrees or specialized certifications, such as obtaining a security clearance or a PE license, can open doors to higher-paying opportunities in coveted sectors. Balancing the choice between an individual contributor role and a management track can also substantially influence earning potential in this competitive job market.
More salary data for Tustin, 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 $132,186 for electrical engineersin the Tustin 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 Tustin 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