Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise electrical equipment and systems, including power generation and transmission systems, communications devices, motors, and electronic equipment.
As of 2026, the median annual wage for electrical and electronics engineers is approximately $107,890 per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Salaries vary by specialization, industry, geographic location, and experience.
Engineers in semiconductor manufacturing, defense contracting, and power systems design tend to earn above the median.
For a full engineering salary landscape, compare the civil engineer salary, mechanical engineer salary, computer engineer salary, and software engineer salary — all closely related fields that frequently overlap with electrical engineering work.
Electrical Engineer Salary Overview
The BLS reports a median annual wage of approximately $107,890 for electrical and electronics engineers combined.
The bottom 10% earn approximately $65,000, while the top 10% earn more than $167,000.
Electrical engineers in the semiconductor, federal government, and utilities sectors tend to earn near or above the median.
For reference, the broader engineer salary page provides a cross-discipline overview that places electrical engineering in context.
For a complete breakdown of how any hourly wage in these ranges translates to annual, monthly, weekly, and after-tax take-home, see our hourly-to-annual salary conversion guides.
Salary by Industry
Semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing is among the highest-paying industries for electrical engineers. Federal government employment (primarily defense and intelligence agencies) also pays well. Electric power generation and transmission offers stable wages.
Consulting engineering services spans a wide range depending on firm size and specialization. Engineers considering defense careers in the Pacific Northwest should also review the cost of living in Washington State, where major defense contractors are headquartered.
Impact of the PE License on Salary
Obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license — which requires passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gaining four years of work experience, and passing the PE exam — typically leads to higher compensation.
PEs are required for certain project approval roles and are preferred for senior engineering and management positions.
New electrical engineers who recently took on student debt for their degrees should also review the student loan interest deduction that may apply in early career years.
Job Outlook
The BLS projects employment of electrical and electronics engineers to grow by approximately 11% through 2032.
Growth in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and smart grid technology is creating new demand for electrical engineering expertise.
Electrical engineers in California's semiconductor and clean energy sectors should weigh the cost of living in California against their compensation package, and those building wealth at above-average salaries should track their average net worth by age to ensure savings keep pace with income.
Understanding 401(k) contribution targets is particularly relevant for early-career engineers who have capacity to maximize contributions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary for an electrical engineer in 2026?
The median annual wage is approximately $107,890 per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Does a PE license increase an electrical engineer's salary?
Generally yes. PE-licensed engineers can sign off on project plans independently, are preferred for senior roles, and typically earn above average within the field.
What states pay electrical engineers the most?
California, Texas, and Washington state frequently rank among the highest-paying states for electrical engineers due to semiconductor industry concentration and large defense contractors.
What specialization pays best in electrical engineering?
Power electronics, semiconductor design (VLSI/chip design), RF engineering, and embedded systems engineering tend to command premium compensation.
Is electrical engineering a good career?
Yes. The BLS projects 11% employment growth through 2032. Electrical engineering offers above-median compensation, diverse career paths, and expanding opportunities in clean energy and advanced electronics.
Sources & References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Electrical and Electronics Engineers — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — Electrical Engineers — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes172071.htm
- National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying — FE and PE Exams — https://ncees.org/
Last updated: April 27, 2026