Electrical Engineers Salary in San Jose, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

Median annual salary $186,920 +67% vs national
Median hourly $89.87
10th percentile $114,800
90th percentile
Employed locally 4,750
National median $111,910

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Electrical Engineers
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San Jose, CA
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    In San Jose, CA, electrical engineers typically earn a median annual salary of $186,920, which is significantly higher than the national median of $111,910 for the same occupation. This reflects the high demand and specialized skill set required in this field within the region. When compared to local household income, the earnings of an average electrical engineer surpass the area's median household income of $157,444, indicating a relatively strong financial standing for professionals in this sector relative to other residents in San Jose. The substantial difference between engineering salaries and general household incomes highlights the lucrative nature of engineering careers in tech-centric areas like Silicon Valley.

    Entry-level electrical engineers in San Jose start at or near the 10th percentile salary of $114,800 annually, whereas experienced engineers can earn upwards of $223,080 per year, which is the 75th percentile mark. The significant disparity between entry-level and seasoned professionals' earnings is driven by factors such as accumulated industry experience, advanced technical skills, leadership roles, and specialized knowledge in emerging technologies. As electrical engineers progress through their careers, they often take on more complex projects and responsibilities that command higher salaries. Moreover, the local demand for skilled engineering talent and competitive job market conditions contribute to these salary variations, incentivizing continuous professional development and expertise enhancement among workers in this field.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $114,800
    25th
    $158,560
    50th (median)
    $186,920
    75th
    $223,080

    San Jose economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $157,444 2023 • Census ACS
    Electrical Engineers salary vs area income 119% Median Electrical Engineers salary is 19% above the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Electrical Engineers make per hour in San Jose?

    The median hourly wage for Electrical Engineers in San Jose, CA is $89.87, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $124.09 or more per hour.

    Is San Jose above or below average for Electrical Engineers salaries?

    The median Electrical Engineers salary in San Jose, CA is 67% above the national median of $111,910. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Electrical Engineers in San Jose?

    Entry-level Electrical Engineers (10th percentile) earn around $114,800 per year in San Jose, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $158,560.