Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay in Tustin, CA: $65.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrical engineer working in Tustin, CA runs $65.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,011 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Weighted against Tustin's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,205 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tustin, California, the electrical engineer hourly pay is projected to reach $65.87 by 2026, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $60.11. This discrepancy reflects Tustin's dynamic tech landscape that includes companies heavily invested in hardware development, semiconductor fabrication, and defense contracting. For part-time electrical engineers working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into substantial earnings, especially in environments like tech labs equipped with advanced tools or utility engineering fields. Entry-level positions can expect to earn around $40.09 per hour, while experienced engineers at the top of their field might make up to $99.41, illustrating a wide income range tied closely to expertise and project demands in areas such as remote CAD work, clean rooms, and SCIFs.
About the Tustin Market
Salary estimated from California average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.09 | $320.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.12 | $392.96 |
| Median (P50) | $65.87 | $526.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.08 | $664.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99.41 | $795.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tustin
Based on $65.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.87/hr, a electrical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tustin, CA can expect to earn approximately $137,009 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,043. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tustin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tustin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,634.78 | $11,417 | $137,009 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,580.87 | $6,850 | $82,205 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,053.91 | $4,567 | $54,803 |
Compare EE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer (Tustin) | $65.87 |
| Mechanical Engineer (National Avg) | $48.61 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer (National Avg) | $69.00 |
| Electronics Engineer (National Avg) | $58.25 |
| Electrical Engineering Technician (National Avg) | $35.08 |
Electrical Engineers in Tustin, CA earn a median of $137,011 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.58% higher than the national median of $125,033 and 0.10% below the California state average of $137,148.
Electrical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.87/hr = $82,205/year (purchasing power: $72,684).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,009/year (purchasing power: $121,139).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$51.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Tustin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $74.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electrical engineers in Tustin grew 22.4% from $51.91/hr (2019) to $63.55/hr (2025). At a 3.65% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.27/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem electrical engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tustin metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.65% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Electrical Engineer in Tustin
Looking at the earning potential for engineers in various employment situations, a part-time electrical engineer working 24 hours a week would still bring home a sizable annual amount compared to a full-time role. Many per-diem electrical engineers can command rates between $90 and $170 per hour, with specialized skill sets—such as those required for chip design or defense contracting—yielding impressive hourly compensation often exceeding $200. Companies like Apple, Intel, and Boeing in Tustin pay varying rates based on the specific sector, with tech firms typically offering higher pay due to the demand for innovative services. While some engineers might opt for lower hourly wages to access comprehensive health benefits and stability, the potential for significant earnings via contract or consulting work is enticing. Negotiation strategies emphasizing expertise and market demand can enhance hourly compensation, particularly in competitive niches where skills are scarce.
More salary data for Tustin, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for electrical engineers in Tustin. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tustin is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.65%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electrical engineers (SOC 17-2071).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov