What does the typical electrical engineer earn?
Using BLS May 2025 data adjusted to 2026, the national median for electrical engineering is about $124,900 a year. A quarter of engineers earn under $96,100 and a quarter earn over $158,300. The BLS also publishes its own unadjusted May 2025 numbers. Its median for electrical engineers was $120,630. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned under $76,550 and the top 10 percent earned over $184,300.
Electronics engineers (BLS excludes computer engineers from this group) earn a bit more. Their May 2025 median was $130,220, and their top 10 percent earned over $206,960. Most engineers in both groups work full time, so these annual figures reflect a normal salaried year. Overtime and on-call pay are not a big part of most offers.
Power, design and controls: where the money differs
Industry moves pay more than the job title does. In May 2025, the BLS median for electrical engineers was $129,210 in transportation equipment manufacturing and $128,320 in computer and electronic product manufacturing. Utility work in power generation, transmission and distribution paid a median of $122,430. Building-side design pays less. The median was $105,780 at engineering services firms and $98,870 at construction companies.
Electronics engineers in research and development had a median of $168,110, and those in semiconductor manufacturing earned $146,700. The BLS does not publish a separate pay line for controls engineers. Controls work falls under the broader electrical and electronics groups. NCEES does offer a separate PE exam in electronics, controls and communications.
Which states pay the most?
These state figures are modeled estimates, so treat them as a guide. New Mexico has the highest state median at about $164,100. California follows at $149,100, then the District of Columbia at $148,000, New Hampshire at $140,500 and Washington at $137,400. Texas is strong at $134,000, helped by energy and semiconductor work. At the low end, Montana's median is about $90,400 and Arkansas's is $100,300.
Big-name states don't always pay top dollar. The New York median is about $123,200, close to the national figure, and Florida sits at $108,500. Before you move for a higher number, compare it against housing costs where you would live.
How experience and the PE license affect pay
New graduates usually start near the bottom quarter of the range, around $96,100 nationally, and climb as they take on design responsibility. The BLS says experienced engineers can move into supervisory or management roles leading engineers and technicians. Those roles are how most people reach the top quarter and beyond.
You don't need a license to start. The BLS says a Professional Engineer (PE) license lets you oversee other engineers, sign off on projects and offer services directly to the public. That matters most in power and consulting design work. NCEES says most states require four years of qualifying experience before the PE. We found no reliable source that puts a dollar figure on the PE premium, so this guide does not give one.
Pay
USD a year, before tax. Refer to the Electrical Engineering salary guide for figures from live adverts.
What you need
- Bachelor's degreeThe BLS says electrical engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering or a related field. Some employers prefer a master's degree.
- Practical experienceEmployers value internships and cooperative engineering programs completed while you are in school.
- FE examThe Fundamentals of Engineering exam is the first exam on the path to a PE license. You can take it near or after graduation.
- PE license (optional at entry)You don't need a license for entry-level jobs. The PE requires an engineering degree, passing the FE and PE exams, and several years of work experience. NCEES says most states require four years.
- Continuing educationEach state issues its own PE license. Several states require continuing education to keep it active.
How to get there
- Years 1-4Earn an engineering degreeComplete a bachelor's in electrical or electronics engineering, with coursework in circuits, digital systems and calculus. Add co-op or internship work if you can.
- Around graduationPass the FE examTake the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, the first step toward a PE license.
- Years 1-4 of workStart as an entry-level engineerExpect pay near the national 25th percentile, about $96,100, while you work under licensed or senior engineers.
- After about 4 yearsSit the PE examNCEES offers PE Electrical and Computer exams in Power, Electronics, Controls, and Communications, and Computer Engineering. They are designed for engineers with at least four years of post-college experience.
- Year 5 onwardMove into senior or lead rolesSigning off on designs, leading teams or moving into management is how most engineers reach the top quarter of the range, above about $158,300.
Open now on ElectricalRoles.com
Questions people ask
What is the median salary for an electrical engineer in the US?
The adjusted 2026 estimate is about $124,900 a year, based on BLS May 2025 data. The BLS's own unadjusted May 2025 median for electrical engineers was $120,630.
Do power engineers earn more than building design engineers?
Usually, yes. In May 2025, the BLS median for electrical engineers at power generation, transmission and distribution employers was $122,430. At engineering services firms it was $105,780, and at construction companies it was $98,870.
How much more does a PE license pay?
We found no reliable source that puts a dollar figure on it, so we don't give one. What the PE does give you is the legal right to sign off on projects, supervise other engineers and offer services directly to the public.
Which state pays electrical engineers the most?
On modeled 2026 estimates, New Mexico has the highest median at about $164,100. California, the District of Columbia and New Hampshire come next. Montana and Arkansas are at the low end.
How long until I can get a PE license?
NCEES says most states require four years of acceptable, progressive work experience. You also need to pass both the FE and PE exams. The PE exam is designed for engineers with at least four years of post-college experience.
Is the job market growing?
Yes. The BLS projects employment of electrical engineers to grow 10 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average. It expects about 16,300 openings a year across electrical and electronics engineering combined.
