Electrical Engineer Salary Guide

Electrical Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise electrical systems and components across industries (power, electronics, telecommunications, aerospace). They apply circuit theory, signal processing, control systems, and relevant software tools to create reliable electrical solutions and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

What is the average Electrical Engineer salary?

Entry Level

$65,000 - $85,000

Mid Level

$85,000 - $120,000

Senior Level

$120,000 - $170,000+

How does Electrical Engineer salary grow with experience?

$65,000 - $80,000

0-2

$80,000 - $100,000

3-5

$100,000 - $135,000

6-10

$125,000 - $170,000++

10+

Base (min)

Top of range (max)

Max: $170k

Electrical Engineer salary by location

San Francisco Bay Area, CA$110,000 - $170,000

New York City, NY$100,000 - $160,000

Seattle, WA$95,000 - $150,000

Austin, TX$85,000 - $135,000

Houston, TX (energy hub)$80,000 - $130,000

Base (min)

Top of range (max)

What factors affect a Electrical Engineer's salary?

Industry and sector (semiconductors, aerospace, energy, telecom, automotive)
Specialized technical skills (RF, power systems, FPGA/ASIC, embedded software)
Geographic location and local cost of living
Security clearance or certifications (e.g., Professional Engineer, SC clearance)
Role level and responsibilities (individual contributor vs. lead/manager)

Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical Engineer Salaries

What is the average salary for an Electrical Engineer?

Average pay depends on experience: entry-level about $65K–$85K, mid-level $85K–$120K, and senior $120K–$170K per year in the U.S.

How does location affect Electrical Engineer salaries?

Location strongly affects pay—tech hubs and high-cost cities (e.g., San Francisco, NYC, Seattle) typically pay 15–40% more than the national average.

What skills increase an Electrical Engineer’s salary?

Specialized skills like power systems, RF/microwave design, embedded systems, FPGA/ASIC, and experience with industry standards increase market value and pay.

How quickly can an Electrical Engineer expect salary growth?

Typical progression: meaningful raises in first 3–5 years as skills and responsibilities grow, with larger jumps when moving to senior, lead, or management roles.

Earn what you're worth as a Electrical Engineer

A strong resume gets you to the negotiation table. Build one tailored to your role and level.

Build Your Resume Now

Explore Related Salary Guides

See how salaries compare across similar roles in the same field.