RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Electrical Engineers salary in San Jose, California

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the San Jose metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$186,920
Mean annual$189,040
Range (10th to 90th)Not published
San Jose, California employment4,750
State vs national+63.4% vs national

Salary distribution

Where San Jose electrical engineers fall on the wage curve.

Distribution not available

The Bureau of Labor Statistics suppresses wage percentiles for this occupation and state when the surveyed cell has too few employers to publish without revealing individual firm pay. National figures and adjacent states below remain a useful reference.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Engineering and Technology

    Knowledge

    4.7 / 5
  • Computers and Electronics

    Knowledge

    4.7 / 5
  • Writing

    Basic skill

    4.1 / 5
  • Written Comprehension

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Written Expression

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Design

    Knowledge

    4.1 / 5
  • Critical Thinking

    Cross-functional

    4.0 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Design, implement, maintain, or improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, or domestic purposes.

  2. 02

    Oversee project production efforts to assure projects are completed on time and within budget.

  3. 03

    Direct or coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, or testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, or customer requirements.

  4. 04

    Perform detailed calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction, or installation standards or specifications.

  5. 05

    Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform engineering tasks.

  6. 06

    Confer with engineers, customers, or others to discuss existing or potential engineering projects or products.

  7. 07

    Investigate or test vendors' or competitors' products.

  8. 08

    Collect data relating to commercial or residential development, population, or power system interconnection to determine operating efficiency of electrical systems.

Sponsored

Build the skills employers list for Electrical Engineers

Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.

Explore courses

Other metros in California

How the San Jose metro compares to other major California metro areas for electrical engineers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Electrical Engineers in San Jose, California?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Electrical Engineers in the San Jose metropolitan area is $186,920.
Does San Jose pay more than the California state average for Electrical Engineers?
The San Jose metro median is +33.2% versus the California state median of $140,360.
How does San Jose compare to the national median for Electrical Engineers?
The San Jose metro median is +63.4% versus the BLS national figure of $114,360.
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.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Jose 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.