Electrical Engineer Salary
Estimated Pay by Experience Level
Salary by State
Median annual| State | Median / yr | Relative pay |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $142,886 | |
| Massachusetts | $133,589 | |
| California | $131,968 | |
| Washington | $130,126 | |
| New Jersey | $126,425 | |
| New York | $125,907 | |
| Maryland | $122,292 | |
| Hawaii | $120,750 | |
| National Median | $106,950 |
How to Become a Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers design, develop, and test electrical equipment and systems, from power generation to electronics.
Meet the education requirement
Most electrical engineers enter the field with bachelor's degree. Programs are offered by community colleges, trade schools, and universities.
Complete an accredited training program
Hands-on coursework and clinical or field experience prepare you for the work and for certification exams.
Earn the Professional Engineer (PE) license
Most employers expect this credential — and in many states it's required to practice. Entry pay starts near $70,587 and rises toward $156,147 with experience.
Electrical Engineer salary: common questions
How much does a Electrical Engineer make an hour?
The median hourly wage for electrical engineers is $51.42, which works out to about $106,950 per year for full-time work.
Which state pays electrical engineers the most?
District of Columbia has the highest median pay for electrical engineers at $142,886 per year — 34% above the national median of $106,950.
What is the salary range for electrical engineers?
Most electrical engineers earn between $70,587 and $156,147 per year. The middle 50% earn $86,630 to $132,618, with a median of $106,950.
Is becoming a Electrical Engineer a good career?
Employment is projected to grow 5% (faster than average), and the role typically requires bachelor's degree. With a median wage of $106,950 per year, it pays well above the U.S. median for all occupations.