Salary Statistics for Engineers in California
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for all engineers in California is $114,420 as of May 2021. This is higher than the national median salary for engineers of $100,640. The top 10% of earners in California make over $172,000 per year, while the bottom 10% earn less than $68,000.
Factors Affecting Engineer Salaries in California
Several factors can affect an engineer’s salary in California, including:
- Education level: Engineers with advanced degrees, such as master’s or doctoral degrees, typically earn higher salaries than those with only a bachelor’s degree.
- Experience: Engineers with more experience tend to earn higher salaries than those with recently graduated.
- Industry: Engineers working in high-tech industries, such as software and computer systems, tend to earn higher salaries than those working in other industries.
- Location: Engineers working in large metropolitan areas, such as San Francisco or Los Angeles, tend to earn higher salaries than those working in smaller cities.
Salaries for Different Types of Engineers in California
The median annual salary for different types of engineers in California varies depending on their specialty. Some of the highest-paid engineering jobs in California include:
- Software engineers: $127,830
- Computer hardware engineers: $125,550
- Electrical engineers: $116,850
- Mechanical engineers: $113,490
- Civil engineers: $111,300
Job Outlook for Engineers in California
The job outlook for engineers in California is expected to be excellent over the next few years. According to the BLS, employment of engineers is projected to grow by 8% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for engineers in various industries, including software development, computer hardware, and energy.
Tips for Negotiating a Higher Salary as an Engineer in California
- Research salary data for engineers in your specialty and location.
- Highlight your skills and experience that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
- Be prepared to negotiate your salary and benefits.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for what you are worth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Negotiating a Salary as an Engineer in California
- Don’t undersell yourself.
- Don’t be afraid to negotiate.
- Don’t accept the first offer.
- Don’t get emotional.
- Do your research.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the highest-paid engineering job in California?
Software engineers earn the highest median annual salary in California, at $127,830. -
What is the lowest-paid engineering job in California?
Environmental engineers earn the lowest median annual salary in California, at $91,920. -
What is the job outlook for engineers in California?
The job outlook for engineers in California is expected to be excellent over the next few years. -
How can I negotiate a higher salary as an engineer in California?
Research salary data, highlight your skills and experience, and be prepared to negotiate your salary and benefits. -
What are some common mistakes to avoid when negotiating a salary as an engineer in California?
Don’t undersell yourself, don’t be afraid to negotiate, and do your research. -
What are the top 5 highest-paid engineering jobs in California?
1. Software engineers: $127,830
2. Computer hardware engineers: $125,550
3. Electrical engineers: $116,850
4. Mechanical engineers: $113,490
5. Civil engineers: $111,300 -
How much do engineers make in California with a master’s degree?
Engineers with a master’s degree in California earn a median annual salary of $128,830. -
How much do engineers make in California with a PhD?
Engineers with a PhD in California earn a median annual salary of $145,020.