Salary distribution
Where San Francisco electrical engineers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $126,320 and $191,700, with a median of $163,840.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.7 / 5
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge
- 4.7 / 5
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Writing
Basic skill
- 4.1 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Written Expression
Ability
- 4.1 / 5
Design
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Design, implement, maintain, or improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, or domestic purposes.
- 02
Oversee project production efforts to assure projects are completed on time and within budget.
- 03
Direct or coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, or testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, or customer requirements.
- 04
Perform detailed calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction, or installation standards or specifications.
- 05
Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform engineering tasks.
- 06
Confer with engineers, customers, or others to discuss existing or potential engineering projects or products.
- 07
Investigate or test vendors' or competitors' products.
- 08
Collect data relating to commercial or residential development, population, or power system interconnection to determine operating efficiency of electrical systems.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for electrical engineers.
- San Jose$186,920
- Los Angeles$134,900
- Sacramento$130,730
- San Diego$128,750
- Riverside$109,360
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Electrical Engineers in San Francisco, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Electrical Engineers in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $163,840.
- Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Electrical Engineers?
- The San Francisco metro median is +16.7% versus the California state median of $140,360.
- How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Electrical Engineers?
- The San Francisco metro median is +43.3% versus the BLS national figure of $114,360.
- What is the salary range for Electrical Engineers in San Francisco?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $97,450 and the 90th-percentile at $215,690 for the San Francisco metro area.
- What education is required for Electrical Engineers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Francisco CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.