As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chief Electrical Estimator in California is $172,347 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $83.
However, a Chief Electrical Estimator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Chief Electrical Estimator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $189,500 | $15,792 | $3,644 | $91 |
| Average | $172,347 | $14,362 | $3,314 | $83 |
| 25th Percentile | $157,832 | $13,153 | $3,035 | $76 |
Jobot - Rancho Cordova, CA
Jobot - Santa Clara, CA
Jobot - Sacramento, CA
Sunwest Electric - Anaheim, CA
A Chief Electrical Estimator'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 Chief Electrical Estimators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Chief Electrical Estimator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and MFG Nondurable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Chief Electrical Estimator positions in Retail & Wholesale or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Chief Electrical Estimator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $215,434 | $104.0 | 25% |
| MFG Nondurable | $206,816 | $99.0 | 20% |
| Hospitality & Leisure | $198,199 | $95.0 | 15% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $189,582 | $91.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Chief Electrical Estimator'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $189,500 | $15,792 | $3,644 | $91 |
| Average | $172,347 | $14,362 | $3,314 | $83 |
| 25th Percentile | $157,832 | $13,153 | $3,035 | $76 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Chief Electrical Estimator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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