Electrical Engineer Salary in Union City, CA: $137,456 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in Union City, CA earns a median $137,456/year (≈ $66.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in Union City's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $121,535 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, electrical engineers in Union City, California, can expect a median annual salary of $137,456, significantly higher than the national median of $125,033. The salary range reflects the market's dynamic nature, spanning from $84,949 at the 10th percentile to $203,333 at the 90th percentile. These figures are informed by estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost of living. The local job market offers a unique blend of opportunities, particularly in industries that prioritize security clearance and specialized skills. The demand for electrical engineers remains strong as local firms compete for top talent, underscoring the attractiveness of this career path in Union City.
About the Union City Market
Salary estimated from California average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,949 | $40.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $108,279 | $52.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,456 | $66.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $170,887 | $82.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $203,333 | $97.75 |
Median Salary Position
9.94% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Union City
In Union City, CA, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $118,384 (2026 est.). At $137,456, the local median is 9.94% above the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Union City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Union City Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
Union City median: $137,456/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Union City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $137,182 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $125,033 | +9.94% more |
Electrical Engineers in Union City, CA earn a median of $137,456 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.94% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 0.20% above the California state average of $137,182.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Union City has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Union City, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $137,456 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $121,535 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$108,320
2025 BLS Actual
$132,616
2026 Current Est.
$137,456
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Union City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $108,320 | Actual |
| 2020 | $110,849 | Actual |
| 2021 | $110,398 | Actual |
| 2022 | $113,586 | Actual |
| 2023 | $117,577 | Actual |
| 2024 | $156,427 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,616 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,456 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,474 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Union City metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $108,320 (2019) to $132,616 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $142,474 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,154 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Union City 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) | $84,949 – $108,279 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $108,279 – $137,456 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,456 – $170,887 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $170,887 – $203,333 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in Union City
As of 2026, the job market for electrical engineers is supported by a small but focused workforce, with 11 engineers currently employed in the area. Union City exhibits a cost-of-living index of 113.1, which affects take-home salary and purchasing power for residents. Employers such as Tesla and semiconductor giants like Intel and Nvidia typically offer the highest salaries, driven by the technology-driven economy that characterizes the region. Factors contributing to the salary disparity include the security clearance premium prevalent in defense contracting roles and the hierarchy of educational credentials, as positions requiring a PhD command higher pay than those needing only a bachelor’s degree. To maximize earning potential in Union City, engineers should focus on gaining relevant experience in high-paying sectors, consider obtaining security clearance, and stay updated on industry trends that impact compensation, particularly in sectors like automotive and semiconductor design.
More salary data for Union City, 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 $132,616 for electrical engineersin the Union City 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 Union City 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