Are you considering a career in electrical engineering in the US, or looking to level up your current compensation? We have done a comprehensive analysis of 407 electrical engineering positions across the United States. This article details the electrical engineer wage and electrical engineer salary in the US for 2025, and the key factors that influence compensation as revealed by the data focusing on education, early career progression, geographical flexibility, and targeting leadership roles. If you’re wondering about electrical engineering jobs salary or how much do electrical engineers get paid, you’ve come to the right place.
Average Electrical Engineer Salary in US
The median US electrical engineer salary is $90,000 per year or $43.27 per hour. This figure gives insight into how much do electrical engineers make in the United States and what is the average salary for an electrical engineer.
The data presented in this article was compiled through an analysis of 407 publicly available electrical engineering salaries in US. Salaries, required education levels, experience expectations, seniority titles, and locations were extracted and analysed to identify trends and calculate average and median figures. The data analysis was updated in May 2025, providing the most current information on electrical engineering pay and job openings.
Factors Influencing Salary
- Educational Level
- Years of Experience
- Seniority Level
- Location
- Top Paying Companies
Required Educational Level and Electrical Engineer Qualifications
| Qualification | Mentions | Percentage |
| Bachelor Degree | 266 | 82.10% |
| Master Degree | 47 | 14.51 |
| Associate | 5 | 1.54 |
| PhD | 6 | 1.85 |
Required Education for Electrical Engineers
Electrical engineering positions typically require specialisation in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or related technical disciplines. Over 82% of jobs require just a bachelor’s degree while only 1.85% require a PhD. This suggests that while education provides a foundation, a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for most electrical engineering positions. However, higher degrees do correlate with increased compensation, with Master’s degree holders earning approximately 17% more than those with Bachelor’s degrees. This impacts the electrical engineering salary per month significantly.
Required Years of Experience and Electrical Engineer Wage Progression
Electrical Engineer Salary by Years of Experience
The graph clearly shows that the US electrical engineer wage increases consistently with experience. We observe that the rate of increase is most significant between years 1-3, where the average electrical engineers salary jumps from approximately $68,000 to $84,000. After 10 years of experience, electrical engineers can expect to earn an average of $124,000, representing an 81% increase from entry-level positions. This data answers the question of how much does an electrical engineer make a year at different career stages. This suggests that early career development and consistent skill advancement have substantial impacts on compensation growth.
Seniority Level and Total Pay
Average Electrical Engineer Salary by Seniority
The table shows that there is a constant increase in electrical engineer salaries as seniority level increases. The progression from entry-level electrical engineer to manager represents a 103% increase in electrical engineer salary US. This substantial differential highlights the value that experience and leadership capabilities bring to organisations in the engineering sector. The total pay, including base pay and additional pay, varies significantly across these job titles.
Sure! Here’s the updated table with Average Annual Wage ($) listed first:
| Seniority Level | Average Annual Wage ($) | Average Hourly Wage ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Manager | 145,333 | 69.87 |
| Principal | 140,000 | 67.31 |
| Senior | 116,154 | 55.84 |
| Lead | 114,400 | 55.00 |
| Mid-Level | 87,591 | 42.11 |
| Entry-Level | 71,734 | 34.49 |
Cities with Highest Electrical Engineer Salary in US
| Top US Cities | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Greenville, SC | $227,240 | $109.25 |
| Emeryville, CA | $207,264 | $99.65 |
| Grand Prairie, TX | $183,040 | $88.00 |
| Huntersville, NC | $180,960 | $87.00 |
| Dedham, MA | $160,824 | $77.32 |
| Port Townsend, WA | $155,000 | $74.52 |
| Alpharetta, GA | $150,000 | $72.12 |
| Fort Worth, TX | $150,000 | $72.12 |
| Irvington, NJ | $150,000 | $72.12 |
| Columbus, OH | $145,600 | $70.00 |
The data reveals that Greenville, SC offers the highest electrical engineering salaries in the US, offering a staggering $227,240 per year. Interestingly, the geographic distribution shows that high-paying opportunities exist across various regions, not just in traditional tech hubs. California locations like Emeryville rank highly, but Southern and Midwestern cities also feature prominently, suggesting that specialized industrial sectors and lower cost of living areas may offer competitive compensation packages. For instance, the electrical engineering salary Ohio averages around $145,600 in Columbus, making it one of the highest paying cities for the profession.
Top Paying Companies in US
Here is a list of the top 10 paying tech and engineering companies that consistently offer above-average salaries for electrical engineers in US:
- Allied Staff Augmentation Partners
- Oxide Computer
- LAUNCH Technical Workforce Solutions
- tools@bcsmis.com
- Port Townsend Paper
- BW Design Group
- PRI Technology
- FootBridge Energy
- Oxford Global Resources
- Edwards Lifesciences
These organisations represent diverse sectors including technology, manufacturing, energy, and healthcare, indicating that electrical engineering expertise is highly valued across multiple industries. They offer numerous employment opportunities for both entry-level and senior electrical engineers.
How to Maximize Your Salary Potential
Based on our comprehensive data analysis, we recommend the following strategies to optimise your electrical engineer salary US:
- Invest in Advanced Education, especially a Master’s degree which correlates with a 17% salary increase
- Focus on rapid skill development in early career, as the most significant salary increases occur in the first three years
- Consider Location Strategically, with cities like Greenville, SC and Emeryville, CA offering the highest compensation
- Pursue leadership opportunities, as progression to management positions offers double the entry-level compensation
- Target Industry Leaders: Companies like Allied Staff Augmentation Partners and Oxide Computer consistently offer premium packages
- Develop expertise in high-demand areas such as power systems, embedded systems, and renewable energy
To enhance your electrical engineer career and increase your earning potential, focus on developing these key skills:
- Circuit design and analysis
- Power systems and distribution
- Control systems and automation
- CAD software: AutoCAD, SolidWorks, MATLAB
- Programming languages: C/C++, Python, VHDL
- Project management and leadership skills
- Proficiency in designing and maintaining electrical systems and electrical equipment
Future Trends in Electrical Engineering Salaries
The electrical engineering field continues to evolve with increasing focus on renewable energy, electric vehicles, smart grid technology, and IoT devices. Engineers who develop expertise in these emerging areas are likely to command premium electrical engineering salaries in the United States as organisations compete for talent with specialised knowledge. The electrical engineer demand is expected to grow, particularly in sectors focused on sustainable technology and infrastructure modernization, potentially leading to higher average salaries and more attractive compensation packages. This positive career outlook is supported by data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which projects steady growth in occupational employment for electrical engineers.
Conclusion
The electrical engineering profession offers exceptional earning potential across the US, with the average electrical engineer salary US reaching $90,000 annually. While education provides a strong foundation, experience and specialization significantly influence salary levels, with senior positions commanding over $145,000 annually. This data clearly illustrates how much money do electrical engineers make and the potential for growth in this field.
For electrical engineers looking to maximize their earning potential, a strategic approach to career development is essential. This includes pursuing relevant certifications, gaining experience with cutting-edge technologies, and developing leadership skills. Understanding salary trends and effectively negotiating compensation can also play a crucial role in securing a competitive package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current median salary for electrical engineers in US?
According to our recent data analysis of 407 electrical engineering positions across the United States, the median electrical engineer salary US is $90,000 per year or $43.27 per hour. This figure represents the benchmark for electrical engineering professionals as of May 2025, though actual pay can vary significantly based on factors such as education, experience level, location, and company size.
How does education level affect electrical engineers pay in US?
Education has a notable impact on electrical engineering salaries in the United States. While a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for 82% of positions, pursuing higher education yields financial benefits. Master’s degree holders earn an average of $105,405 annually compared to $90,312 for bachelor’s degree holders—a 17% increase. However, the limited demand for PhDs (1.85% of positions) suggests that a Master’s degree offers the optimal return on educational investment.
Which US cities offer the highest salaries for electrical engineers?
Greenville, SC leads the list with an impressive annual average of $227,240. Other top cities include Emeryville, CA ($207,264), Grand Prairie, TX ($183,040), and Huntersville, NC ($180,960). The geographic diversity of high-paying locations indicates that electrical engineers can find lucrative opportunities outside traditional tech hubs, often in areas with specialized manufacturing or energy sectors.
How does experience level affect electrical engineers salaries in US?
Experience dramatically influences US electrical engineer pay. Our data shows entry-level engineers earn approximately $68,473, while those with 3-5 years of experience see their compensation increase to $84,000-$96,000. Engineers with 10+ years of experience average $124,134—an 81% increase from entry-level positions. The most significant salary growth occurs in the first three years, representing a critical period for skill development and career advancement.
