As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Electrical Engineer I in the United States is $81,907 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, an Electrical Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Electrical Engineer I'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 I'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 | $81,907 |
| Electrical Engineer II | 2-4 years | $99,283 |
| Electrical Engineer III | 4-7 years | $120,759 |
| Electrical Engineer IV | 7+ years | $143,787 |
| Electrical Engineer V | 7-10 years | $166,821 |
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 Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 7.91% |
| Design Engineering | 3.02% |
| Programming | 1.59% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Facilitation
|
$99,107 |
21%
|
|
Circuit Design
|
$86,002 |
5%
|
|
Prototyping
|
$85,183 |
4%
|
|
Product Development
|
$84,364 |
3%
|
|
System Design
|
$84,364 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$83,545 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Electrical Engineer Is 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 I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $78,469 and $81,318).
Electrical Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 1.8% |
| Associates | 3.2% |
| Bachelors | 64.6% |
| Masters | 26.1% |
| Doctorate | 4.2% |
Understanding how an Electrical Engineer I'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 May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Electrical Engineer I, 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 II | $99,502 | 21% |
| Electrical Engineer II | $99,283 | 21% |
| Electronics Engineer II | $99,503 | 21% |
| Radio Frequency Engineer II | $99,503 | 21% |
Salaries for an Electrical Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $91,966 in 2023 to around $89,144 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Electrical Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $91,966 |
| 2024 | $90,794 |
| 2025 | $89,144 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Electrical Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
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An Electrical Engineer I'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 I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Electrical Engineer I is $103,309.
The highest pay for Electrical Engineer I is $96,428.
The lowest pay for Electrical Engineer I is $67,332.
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 closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 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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