As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Electrical Engineer III in the United States is $120,761 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.
However, an Electrical Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Electrical Engineer III's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Electrical Engineer III's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer I | 0-2 years | $81,911 |
| Electrical Engineer II | 2-4 years | $99,287 |
| Electrical Engineer III | 4-7 years | $120,761 |
| Electrical Engineer IV | 7+ years | $143,789 |
| Electrical Engineer V | 7-10 years | $166,844 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Electrical Engineer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.98% |
| Installation | 2.94% |
| CAD | 1.59% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Prototyping
|
$125,591 |
4%
|
|
Circuit Design
|
$124,384 |
3%
|
|
PCB Design
|
$124,384 |
3%
|
|
Product Development
|
$124,384 |
3%
|
|
Consulting
|
$123,176 |
2%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$123,176 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Electrical Engineer IIIs enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Electrical Engineer III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $112,142 and $117,402).
Electrical Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.1% |
| High School | 0.3% |
| Associates | 1.2% |
| Bachelors | 43.2% |
| Masters | 41.0% |
| Doctorate | 14.2% |
Understanding how an Electrical Engineer III's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Electrical Engineer III, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Signal & Image Processing Engineer IV | $147,078 | 22% |
| Electrical Engineer IV | $143,789 | 19% |
| Electronics Engineer IV | $143,789 | 19% |
| Radio Frequency Engineer IV | $143,789 | 19% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Electrical Engineer III and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Electrical Engineer III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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An Electrical Engineer III's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Electrical Engineer III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Electrical Engineer III is $152,316.
The highest pay for Electrical Engineer III is $138,725.
The lowest pay for Electrical Engineer III is $105,325.
Designs, develops, and tests electrical equipment, components, circuits, or systems. Applies mathematical and engineering principles and methods to designs. Performs extensive testing and validation of designs to ensure reliability, performance, and safety standards are achieved. Conducts research and studies new technologies to innovate and design solutions or products. Requires a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4 -7 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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