Average Salary for an Electrical Engineer in the USA 2025 - Salary Ranges, FAQs, and Tips to Increase Earnings
In 2025, the salary for an Electrical Engineer matters a lot for career choices.
"Electrical engineers are the backbone of our modern world. They design and build the systems that power our homes, offices, and cities.
These professionals work on everything from tiny computer chips to massive power grids."
In today's tech-driven economy, knowing your career worth has never been more important. This guide explores the current salaries of electrical engineers across the United States.
We'll break down earnings by experience level, region, and industry. You'll discover what entry-level engineers can expect to earn and how much senior professionals make. We'll also answer key questions about bonuses, benefits, and career growth.
If you're a student thinking about this field or an engineer planning your next step, this data will help you decide. Our analysis covers salary ranges, regional differences, and practical tips to boost your earnings.
We'll also explore how the salary of electrical engineers compares to other engineering fields and what trends to expect in 2025.
$109,500 per year (Average)
According to data from salary platforms like Indeed and ZipRecruiter, the average salary for electrical engineers is between $105,892 and $118,817 each year. We found this average by reviewing government statistics and job platforms that track more than 3,000 salary reports.
The salary of electrical engineers has increased by approximately 4-6% compared to last year. This growth shows a strong need for skilled engineers in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and smart grid technology.
Salary for an Electrical Engineer Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: The typical electrical engineer earns between $105,892 and $118,817 per year, according to several global salary surveys. Most professionals in this field can expect to earn around $109,500 annually.
Salary range: Entry-level positions start around $67,000, while experienced engineers can earn up to $186,000. According to many U.S. data sources, the majority of electrical engineers fall between $76,970 and $139,202.
Salary by experience: Junior engineers (0-3 years) earn $75,718 to $86,331, while senior professionals command $118,599 to $145,000+ annually. Government statistics show clear salary progression with experience.
75th percentile: Senior electrical engineers in the top 25% earn $139,202 or more per year, according to USA salary survey reports. This represents engineers with specialized skills or leadership roles.
Salary for an Electrical Engineer: Regional Comparison
Regional location plays a major role in determining an electrical engineer's salary. Cost of living, industry concentration, and local demand all impact earnings. Tech hubs and energy-rich states typically offer higher compensation packages.
Here's how salaries compare across major U.S. regions:
Data collected from multiple regional salary surveys and government statistics, 2025
California offers the best overall value when considering career opportunities and industry growth, despite higher living costs. Texas provides an excellent balance of competitive salaries and reasonable living expenses.
7 Tips to Grow Your Electrical Engineer Salary
1. Pursue Advanced Certifications: Getting certified in specialized areas like power systems or automation can increase your salary by 15-20%. According to several global salary surveys, engineers with Professional Engineer (PE) licenses earn significantly more than their non-licensed peers.
2. Master In-Demand Technologies: Focus on renewable energy systems, electric vehicle technology, and smart grid solutions. Many U.S. data sources show engineers with these skills earn 10-15% above average salaries.
3. Develop Leadership Skills: Moving into project management or team leadership roles can boost earnings by $20,000-$30,000 annually. Government statistics show that senior engineers with management responsibilities command premium salaries.
4. Specialize in High-Growth Industries: Target sectors like renewable energy, aerospace, or semiconductor manufacturing. According to many international salary surveys, specialized engineers in these fields earn 12-18% more than general practitioners.
5. Pursue Advanced Education: A Master's degree can increase your earning potential by $10,000-$15,000 per year. Many U.S. sources report that engineers with advanced degrees progress faster into senior roles.
6. Build Cross-Functional Expertise: Combine electrical engineering with software development, data analysis, or business skills. Several global salary surveys indicate that engineers with hybrid skills earn premium salaries.
7. Consider Geographic Relocation: Moving to high-demand regions can significantly impact your salary. Government statistics show that strategic relocation can increase earnings by 15-25% or more.
FAQs | Electrical Engineer Salaries
What is the starting salary of an Electrical Engineer in the USA?
Entry-level electrical engineers typically earn $76,862 per year, according to job posting data from the past 36 months. This represents engineers with 0-2 years of experience entering the workforce.
How much does a senior Electrical Engineer make in salary?
Senior electrical engineers earn between $118,599 and $139,202 annually, based on several global salary surveys. Experienced professionals with 10+ years often exceed these ranges.
Is the average salary of an Electrical Engineer before or after tax?
All salary figures mentioned are gross annual income before taxes and deductions. Your take-home pay will be lower after federal, state, and local taxes are applied.
Does the salary of Electrical Engineers include bonuses and benefits?
Base salaries typically exclude bonuses, with additional compensation averaging $35,785 per year according to government statistics. Total compensation packages often include health insurance, retirement plans, and performance bonuses.
Which states pay Electrical Engineers the highest salary?
California, New York, and Texas consistently offer the highest electrical engineer salaries. These states have strong technology sectors and high demand for skilled engineers.
How does experience level affect an Electrical Engineer's salary?
Experience significantly impacts earnings, with senior positions commanding over $145,000 annually compared to entry-level roles starting around $75,718. Career progression typically shows steady salary increases every 2-3 years.
What factors influence the salary of an Electrical Engineer the most?
Location, experience level, industry sector, and specialized skills are the primary factors. Engineers in tech hubs, renewable energy, and aerospace typically earn above-average salaries.
Do Electrical Engineers with PE licenses earn higher salaries?
Yes, Professional Engineer licenses typically increase earning potential by 10-20%. Many employers require or prefer PE licensure for senior positions and project leadership roles.
How does the salary of Electrical Engineers compare to other engineering fields?
Electrical engineers earned $117,680 in 2023, compared to mechanical engineers at $105,220 and civil engineers at $101,160. This positions electrical engineering as a well-compensated field within the engineering profession.
What is the job outlook for Electrical Engineer salaries in 2025?
The outlook remains positive with continued growth expected. Demand for electrical engineers in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and smart infrastructure drives salary increases above inflation rates.
All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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