Electrical Engineer Salary: Your 2026 Guide

Key takeaways

Electrical engineers develop and maintain tools, systems, programs, and computer-aided designs for various industries and personal use. 

• The median annual electrical engineer salary in the US is $111,910 [1].

• Electrical engineers increase their earnings as they move into more senior-level roles. 

• You can increase your earning potential by specializing through online courses or professional certificates. 

Learn more about electrical engineering salaries and how to increase yours. Afterward, consider enrolling in the Engineering Project Management Specialization for the opportunity to enhance your skills and master strategies and tools for more effectively and successfully managing engineering projects.

How much do electrical engineers make? Average electrical engineer salary

The median annual electrical engineer salary in the US is $111,910 [1]. Electrical engineers typically earn more than twice the median salary for all jobs in the US [1]. However, salaries for electrical engineers depend on several factors. Learning about the average electrical engineering salary for specific fields, industries, and levels of expertise can give you a better understanding of what you can make as an electrical engineer.

How education affects electrical engineer salaries

Seventy-six percent of electrical engineers have a bachelor's degree, 12 percent have a master's degree, and 8 percent have an associate degree [3]. Electrical engineers usually study electrical engineering, electrical engineering technology, or computer engineering. Senior-level electrical engineering jobs and other highly paid positions may require more advanced degrees. For example, employers may require a master of science in electrical engineering to work in a university or research and development (R&D) role.

Engineering professors make a median annual salary of $209,000 a year [3]. This figure includes base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

How years of experience affect electrical engineer salaries

The list below represents the median salaries (including additional pay insights such as bonuses and commissions) reported by Glassdoor in October 2025 [4].

• Entry-level (0–1 year of experience) electrical engineer: $92,000 per year

• Junior (1–3 years of experience) electrical engineer: $102,000 per year

• Mid-level (4–6 years of experience) electrical engineer: $113,000 per year

• Senior (7–9 years of experience) electrical engineer: $127,000 per year

After a few years of electrical engineering experience, you may be qualified to work as an electrical engineering manager. These professionals are tasked with planning, directing, and coordinating the activities of engineering teams. These additional responsibilities typically result in an increased salary. Electrical engineers in management roles earn a median annual salary of $167,740 [5]. 

Read more: What Can You Do With an Engineering Management Degree? 6 Jobs to Consider

How industry affects electrical engineer salaries

Some industries pay more for electrical engineering expertise, education, and experience. Here are a few examples of the average annual electrical engineer salary in various industries [1]:

• Aerospace product and parts manufacturing: $136,570

• Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences: $130,840

• Navigational, measuring, and controls manufacturing: $115,700

• Electrical power generation: $114,720

• Engineering services: $103,450

How company size affects electrical engineer salaries

Another critical variable determining electrical engineers' salaries is the company's size. Smaller companies sometimes pay less than larger corporations because larger businesses can access more resources. More resources allow greater pay structure flexibility. Additionally, formalized performance reviews and enhanced responsibility can allow for annual increases.

How location affects electrical engineer salaries

Due to variables such as cost of living and demand, some states pay electrical engineers more on average. The top 10 states with the highest pay for electrical engineering roles are as follows [6]:

1. Washington: $111,676

2. California: $98,790

3. Wyoming: $88,388

4. Massachusetts: $90,413

5. New Mexico: $94,728

6. Oregon: $86,802

7. Alaska: $102,897

8. Texas: $85,015

9. Vermont: $88,715

10. Colorado: $83,384 

How to increase your electrical engineering salary

There are several ways to increase your electrical engineering pay. If you currently work in an entry-level role, consider pursuing a specialization through online courses or certifications to increase your skill set. Those interested in obtaining a senior-level or engineering management role may earn a higher degree to qualify for more advanced positions.

Electrical engineering courses and certifications

The list below outlines a few options offered by industry leaders and accredited universities to get you started:

For entry-level or beginner electrical engineers:

• Electric Power Systems by the University at Buffalo (certificate upon completion)

• Solar Energy Basics by the State University of New York (certificate upon completion)

• Electric Industry Operations and Markets by Duke University (certificate upon completion)

For mid-level or intermediate electrical engineers:

• Power Electronics Specialization by the University of Colorado Boulder (certificate upon completion)

• Embedding Sensors and Motors Specialization by the University of Colorado Boulder (certificate upon completion)

• A Practitioner's Approach to Power Distribution & Automation Specialization by L&T EduTech (certificate upon completion)

For senior-level or advanced electrical engineers:

• Computer Architecture by Princeton University (no certificate)

• Electrodynamics: Electric and Magnetic Fields by KAIST (certificate upon completion)

• Design of High-Performance Optical Systems by the University of Colorado Boulder (certificate upon completion)

A graduate degree can even further enhance your earning potential as an electrical engineer. Consider the Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering program from the University of Colorado Boulder.

State licensure for electrical engineers

New electrical engineers are not required to qualify for state licensure as a Professional Engineer or a PE. However, once you have acquired four years of experience, you’ll be eligible to take the Principles and Practices of Engineering exam. If you receive a passing grade, you can apply for state licensure. This will qualify you for higher leadership roles and a higher salary. If you earned a bachelor’s degree from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)-accredited school, you can take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. Upon passing, you will hold the title of an Engineer in Training (EIT) or an Engineer Intern (EI). 

Explore free resources for electrical engineers

Want to stay on the pulse of the industry? Subscribe to our Career Chat on LinkedIn so you can keep up with networking opportunities and career trends. If you want to learn more about electrical engineering, explore these free resources:

• Hear from a pro: CU Boulder ME-EM Faculty Director Christy Bozic on the Importance of Leadership Skills in Tech

• Watch on YouTube: Power Electronics and Embedded Systems Webinar | CU Boulder MS-EE 

• Take the quiz: https://mallzone.top/resources/career-quiz

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