Electrical engineers in the US earn a median of $120,630 a year in base pay. The middle half earn between $92,830 and $152,950, and the top 10% earn more than $184,300 (BLS OEWS May 2025). To negotiate, aim for the part of that range that matches your experience — with 3–5 years, for example, $121,000 to $153,000 — and open slightly above it.
How much do electrical engineers make?
| Percentile | Annual base pay |
|---|---|
| 10th | $76,550 |
| 25th | $92,830 |
| Median | $120,630 |
| 75th | $152,950 |
| 90th | $184,300 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 — Electrical Engineers, national, about 198,750 jobs. BLS figures are base pay including commissions and production bonuses; they exclude year-end bonuses, stock, overtime and benefits.
Where electrical engineers earn the most
| State | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $158,520 | $196,240 |
| California | $144,040 | $185,520 |
| District of Columbia | $143,000 | $173,790 |
| New Hampshire | $135,710 | $169,020 |
| Washington | $132,710 | $166,160 |
Pay also differs within a state — big metro areas often pay more. Use your state's numbers when you set your target.
What should you ask for as a electrical engineer?
| Experience | Suggested target range | Open with about |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | $93,000–$121,000 | $127,000 |
| 3–5 years | $121,000–$153,000 | $161,000 |
| 6–10 years | $134,000–$163,000 | $171,000 |
| 10+ years | $153,000–$184,000 | $193,000 |
The ranges follow national percentiles by experience (25th–50th, 50th–75th, 60th–80th, 75th–90th); the opening number is the top of the range plus about 5%, rounded. Guidance, not a guarantee — check your state and experience, and see how to negotiate salary.
What drives electrical engineer pay?
Electrical engineers design and test electrical systems — from power grids and motors to circuits and controls. Pay varies by industry (utilities, semiconductors, aerospace, construction), a PE license, security clearance, and the level the role is hired at.
- Industry: utilities, semiconductors, aerospace and defense, building systems.
- PE license for roles that sign off on designs.
- Security clearance for defense work.
- Level and title — engineer I/II/III or senior.
Your leverage as a electrical engineer
- A PE license or progress toward it.
- Design tools and standards the team uses (for example NEC, IEEE).
- Projects delivered with measurable results.
- An active clearance.
- Experience leading projects or junior engineers.
Only use leverage you really have. Never invent a competing offer.
Electrical engineer objections and how to answer
| They say | You can say |
|---|---|
| “That's above the band for this level.” | “With my [experience], could the role be leveled as engineer III instead?” |
| “We'll pay for your PE exam instead.” | “Great — and once I pass, what does the raise look like? I'd like that in writing.” |
| “Our bonus makes up for the base.” | “What's the bonus target, and how often has it paid out at target?” |
| “Relocation isn't included.” | “Could we add a one-time relocation or sign-on bonus to cover the move?” |
Sample counter offer for a electrical engineer
Thank you — I'm excited about the role. Given my [number] years designing [systems] and my PE license, I'm asking for a base of [number]. The national median for electrical engineers is $120,630, and the 75th percentile is $152,950.
Then stop talking and let them respond.
Asking for a raise as a electrical engineer
Tie your ask to projects delivered, a PE license or a move to the next level. Ask what the criteria for the next level are and when promotions are decided.