Electrical Engineer Salary in San Marcos, TX: $154,179 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in San Marcos, TX earns a median $154,179/year (≈ $74.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in San Marcos's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $160,603 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 38.5% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Marcos, Texas, electrical engineers can expect to earn a median salary of $154,179 in 2026, which notably exceeds the projected national median of $125,033. The salary range for electrical engineers in the region varies widely, spanning from $97,356 at the lower end (P10) to $231,449 for those at the highest end of the scale (P90). These figures represent local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for cost of living in the area. In a rapidly evolving tech environment, particularly with the growth of semiconductor industries and defense sectors, this promising salary spectrum illustrates the opportunities available for engineers in San Marcos, offering competitive compensation compared to neighboring regions.
About the San Marcos Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,356 | $46.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $117,604 | $56.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $154,179 | $74.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $193,704 | $93.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $231,449 | $111.28 |
Median Salary Position
23.31% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Marcos
In San Marcos, TX, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $134,093 (2026 est.). At $154,179, the local median is 23.31% above the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Marcos: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Marcos Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
San Marcos median: $154,179/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Marcos Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $111,321 | +38.50% more |
| National Average | $125,033 | +23.31% more |
Electrical Engineers in San Marcos, TX earn a median of $154,179 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.31% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 38.50% above the Texas state average of $111,321.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Marcos has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Marcos, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A electrical engineer earning $154,179 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $160,603 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$121,498
2025 BLS Actual
$148,750
2026 Current Est.
$154,179
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in San Marcos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $121,498 | Actual |
| 2020 | $124,334 | Actual |
| 2021 | $123,829 | Actual |
| 2022 | $127,405 | Actual |
| 2023 | $131,881 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,762 | Actual |
| 2025 | $148,750 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $154,179 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $159,807 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Marcos metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $121,498 (2019) to $148,750 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $159,807 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,309 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Marcos 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) | $97,356 – $117,604 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $117,604 – $154,179 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $154,179 – $193,704 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $193,704 – $231,449 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in San Marcos
The job market for electrical engineers in San Marcos employs around 13 professionals, a relatively small but stable workforce amid a cost-of-living index of 96, indicating affordable living conditions for residents. Leading employers in San Marcos include major technology firms, defense contractors, and utility companies, each offering varying pay scales. The semiconductor and tech sectors—especially companies like Intel and AMD—typically provide the highest salaries, reflecting demand for specialized skills in chip design. In contrast, roles in utility and traditional power systems tend to offer lower compensation but come with job security and pension benefits. To maximize earnings in the local market, electrical engineers should consider gaining security clearance for defense roles, pursuing advanced degrees, or aiming for positions that balance technical contributions with leadership responsibilities. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone looking to optimize their electrical engineer pay in San Marcos, TX.
More salary data for San Marcos, TX:
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 $148,750 for electrical engineersin the San Marcos 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 Marcos 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