Overview of Electrical Engineer Salary in San Diego
San Diego is known for sunshine, beaches, and a thriving tech industry. The city boasts a healthy job market which also benefits electrical engineers. Electrical engineering is a popular profession that deals with the design, development, and testing of electrical equipment, systems, and components. Electrical engineers use their skills to design, develop and maintain a range of different types of systems, including communications systems, power grids, and navigation systems. If you are interested in becoming an electrical engineer in San Diego, this article will provide you with information about the salary levels for this profession in this region.
The average salary for an electrical engineer in San Diego is $94,586 per year, according to Glassdoor. The salary range typically falls between $81,218 and $107,182. However, the salary estimates vary depending on a few factors such as the level of experience, the industry, and the company size. These factors are discussed below:
Experience Level
As with most professions, the level of experience will impact the salary levels for electrical engineers in San Diego. Electrical engineers with less than one year of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $67,327 per year. Those in the early stages of their career with one to four years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $75,710 per year. Mid-career professionals with five to nine years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $94,478 per year. Experienced professionals with ten to nineteen years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $112,829 per year. Finally, experienced electrical engineers with more than twenty years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $130,196 per year.
Industry
The industry in which an electrical engineer is employed can greatly affect their salary. Electrical engineers working in computer and electronic product manufacturing, the largest industry employing these workers, can expect to earn an average salary of $98,150 per year. Those working in research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences industry can expect to earn an average salary of $103,210 per year. However, it is important to note that there are other industries that employ electrical engineers in San Diego, such as aerospace, defense, construction, and consulting.
Company Size
The size of the company can also affect how much an electrical engineer will earn. Electrical engineers working in Fortune 500 companies often receive higher salaries and more benefits than those working in smaller companies. According to Glassdoor, electrical engineers working in a company with less than 50 employees earn an average compensation of $78,578 per year. Those working in companies with 51 to 200 employees earn an average compensation of $91,205 per year. Meanwhile, those working in large companies with more than 10,000 employees earn an average compensation of $104,697 per year.
In summary, the average salary for an electrical engineer in San Diego is $94,586 per year. However, the salary levels can vary based on an individual’s experience level, industry, and company size. Whether you are considering a career as an electrical engineer or are already in the profession, understanding the factors that affect salary levels can help you make informed decisions about your career path.
Comparison of Electrical Engineer Salary in San Diego to other Cities
Are you an electrical engineer thinking about relocating to San Diego? It’s important to consider the cost of living and average salaries in the area before making a decision. Here is a comparison of the electrical engineer salary in San Diego to other cities.
San Francisco, CA
Located approximately 500 miles north of San Diego, San Francisco is known for its tech companies and beautiful scenery. The average electrical engineer salary in San Francisco is $112,000 per year. However, the cost of living in San Francisco is much higher than San Diego. In San Francisco, the cost of living is 62% higher than the national average, while San Diego’s cost of living is only 16% higher than the national average. When considering salary and cost of living, a $100,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to a salary of $177,000 in San Francisco.
Los Angeles, CA
Located approximately 120 miles north of San Diego, Los Angeles is known for its entertainment industry and beach culture. The average electrical engineer salary in Los Angeles is $93,000 per year. The cost of living in Los Angeles is also higher than San Diego, with an index of 43.4% compared to San Diego’s index of 35.8%. When considering salary and cost of living, a $100,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to a salary of $116,000 in Los Angeles.
Phoenix, AZ
Located approximately 350 miles east of San Diego, Phoenix is known for its hot summers and outdoor activities. The average electrical engineer salary in Phoenix is $78,000 per year. While the cost of living in Phoenix is slightly lower than San Diego, with an index of 35.1%, salaries in Phoenix are also lower. When considering salary and cost of living, a $100,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to a salary of $88,500 in Phoenix.
Overall, when considering salary and cost of living, San Diego offers a balanced lifestyle for electrical engineers. While salaries in San Francisco may seem compelling, the high cost of living may offset the higher salary. On the other hand, salaries in Phoenix are lower than San Diego, which may not be worth considering the cost of relocation and potential pay cut.
Highest Paying Industries for Electrical Engineers in San Diego
San Diego is a bustling city that offers numerous job opportunities for electrical engineers. The median salary for an electrical engineer in San Diego is $86,386 per year, which makes it one of the highest-paying cities for this profession. Electrical engineers in San Diego work in various industries and fields that require their expertise, here are the top 4 highest paying industries for electrical engineers:
1. Aerospace and Defense
San Diego is home to various aerospace and defense companies such as Northrop Grumman, Boeing, and General Atomics. These companies hire electrical engineers to work on projects like aircraft engines, avionics systems, and cybersecurity systems. Electrical engineers in this field can expect a median salary of $118,000 per year, which is one of the highest-paying jobs in San Diego.
2. Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals
San Diego is also known as the “Biotech Beach” due to its thriving biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry. Companies like Illumina, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Pfizer employ electrical engineers to design and build equipment and devices used in the medical field. The median salary for electrical engineers in biotech and pharmaceuticals is $105,000 per year.
3. Telecommunications
Many telecommunication companies such as Qualcomm, Verizon, and Nokia Bell Labs have a strong presence in San Diego. Electrical engineers in this field design and develop communication devices and network systems. The median salary for electrical engineers in the telecommunications industry is $102,000 per year.
4. Renewable Energy
San Diego is at the forefront of renewable energy adoption, with many companies investing heavily in renewable energy development. Electrical engineers in this field design and develop renewable energy systems such as wind turbines, solar panels, and battery storage solutions. The median salary for electrical engineers in the renewable energy industry is $98,000 per year.
Electrical engineers in San Diego can also work in other industries such as construction, transportation, and automation, which offer competitive salaries as well. Despite the pandemic, San Diego is still a great place for electrical engineers to live, work, and grow their career.
Job Benefits and Perks for Electrical Engineers in San Diego
Electrical engineers in San Diego can receive a range of benefits beyond their salary that can enhance their job and quality of life. Many employers offer a variety of benefits to attract and retain talented engineers. Here are some of the most common benefits offered to electrical engineers in San Diego:
1. Health Insurance
Most employers in San Diego offer health insurance benefits to their employees. These benefits can include medical, dental, and vision insurance. Employers may also provide flexible spending accounts (FSAs) that allow employees to use pre-tax dollars on eligible healthcare expenses.
2. Retirement Plans
Employers in San Diego often offer retirement plans, such as 401(k) plans, to help employees save for their future. Employers may also offer matching contributions to their employees’ retirement accounts as an extra benefit.
3. Paid Time Off
Most employers in San Diego offer paid time off (PTO) to their employees. This can include vacation days, sick days, and personal days. Employers may also offer paid holidays to their employees.
4. Professional Development Opportunities
Employers in San Diego often encourage their employees to continue to grow professionally by offering training and development opportunities. This can include attending conferences, taking courses, or participating in certification programs.
5. Work-Life Balance
Many employers in San Diego recognize the importance of work-life balance for employees. Employers may offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or flexible hours, to help employees balance their work responsibilities with personal obligations. This can be especially beneficial for electrical engineers who may need to take care of family needs or personal responsibilities outside of work. Additionally, some employers may offer perks such as gym memberships or on-site wellness activities to encourage employees to prioritize their physical and mental health.
Overall, electrical engineers in San Diego can enjoy many benefits beyond their salaries. Employers often offer a range of benefits to attract and retain highly skilled professionals. These benefits can not only enhance job satisfaction but also improve quality of life for employees.