Electrical engineers held about 191,900 jobs in 2018. The largest employers of electrical engineers were as follows:
| Engineering services | 19% |
| Electric power generation, transmission and distribution | 9 |
|
Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and
control instruments manufacturing |
7 |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 6 |
| Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing | 5 |
Electronics engineers, except computer held about 138,500 jobs in 2018. The largest employers of electronics engineers, except computer were as follows:
| Telecommunications | 17% |
| Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing | 16 |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 13 |
| Engineering services | 7 |
|
Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and
control instruments manufacturing |
6 |
Electrical and electronics engineers generally work indoors in offices. However, they may visit sites to observe a problem or a piece of complex equipment.
Work Schedules
Most electrical and electronics engineers work full time.
Electrical and electronics engineers must have a bachelor’s degree. Employers also value practical experience, such as internships or participation in cooperative engineering programs, in which students earn academic credit for structured work experience.
Education
High school students interested in studying electrical or electronics engineering benefit from taking courses in physics and math, including algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. Courses in drafting are also helpful, because electrical and electronics engineers often are required to prepare technical drawings.
In order to enter the occupation, prospective electrical and electronics engineers need a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, electrical engineering technology, or a related engineering field. Programs include classroom, laboratory, and field studies. Courses include digital systems design, differential equations, and electrical circuit theory. Programs in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or electrical engineering technology should be accredited by ABET .
Some colleges and universities offer cooperative programs in which students gain practical experience while completing their education. Cooperative programs combine classroom study with practical work. Internships provide similar experience and are growing in number.
At some universities, students can enroll in a 5-year program that leads to both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. A graduate degree allows an engineer to work as an instructor at some universities, or in research and development.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Licensure is not required for entry-level positions as electrical and electronics engineers. A Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows for higher levels of leadership and independence, can be acquired later in one’s career. Licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). A PE can oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure generally requires
- A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
- A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
- Relevant work experience, typically at least 4 years
- A passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam
The initial FE exam can be taken after earning a bachelor’s degree. Engineers who pass this exam commonly are called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs). After meeting work experience requirements, EITs and EIs can take the second exam, called the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE).
Each state issues its own licenses. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as the licensing state’s requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements. Several states require continuing education for engineers to keep their licenses .
Other Experience
During high school, students can attend engineering summer camps to see what these and other engineers do. Attending these camps can help students plan their coursework for the remainder of their time in high school. The Engineering Education Service Center has a directory of engineering summer camps.
Advancement
Electrical and electronic engineers may advance to supervisory positions in which they lead a team of engineers and technicians. Some may move to management positions, working as engineering or program managers. Preparation for managerial positions usually requires working under the guidance of a more experienced engineer. For more information, see the profile on architectural and engineering managers.
For sales work, an engineering background enables engineers to discuss a product's technical aspects and assist in product planning and use. For more information, see the profile on sales engineers.
Electrical and electronics engineers typically have an interest in the Building and Thinking interest areas, according to the Holland Code framework. The Building interest area indicates a focus on working with tools and machines, and making or fixing practical things. The Thinking interest area indicates a focus on researching, investigating, and increasing the understanding of natural laws.
If you are not sure whether you have a Building or Thinking interest which might fit with a career as an electrical and electronic engineer, you can take a career test to measure your interests.
Electrical and electronics engineers should also possess the following specific qualities:
Concentration. Electrical and electronics engineers design and develop complex electrical systems and electronic components and products. They must be able to keep track of multiple design elements and technical characteristics when performing these tasks.
Initiative. Electrical and electronics engineers must be able to apply their academic knowledge to new tasks in every project they undertake. In addition, they must engage in continuing education to keep up with changes in technology.
Interpersonal skills. Electrical and electronics engineers must be able to work with others during the manufacturing process to ensure that their plans are implemented correctly. This collaboration includes monitoring technicians and devising remedies to problems as they arise.
Math skills. Electrical and electronics engineers must be able to use the principles of calculus and other advanced topics in math in order to analyze, design, and troubleshoot equipment.
Speaking skills. Electrical and electronics engineers work closely with other engineers and technicians. They must be able to explain their designs and reasoning clearly and to relay instructions during product development and production. They may also need to explain complex issues to customers who have little or no technical expertise .
The median annual wage for electrical engineers was $98,530 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $63,020, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $155,880.
The median annual wage for electronics engineers, except computer was $105,570 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $66,620, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $164,210.
In May 2019, the median annual wages for electrical engineers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | $113,050 |
| Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing | 104,170 |
| Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing | 104,400 |
| Electric power generation, transmission and distribution | 99,610 |
| Engineering services | 96,540 |
In May 2019, the median annual wages for electronics engineers, except computer in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
|
$114,260 | |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 112,870 | |
| Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing | 106,240 | |
| Engineering services | 101,580 | |
| Telecommunications | 98,600 |
Most electrical and electronics engineers work full time.
Overall employment of electrical and electronics engineers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2018 to 2028, slower than the average for all occupations. Employment growth is expected to be tempered by slow growth or decline in most manufacturing industries and in telecommunications.
Job growth for electrical and electronics engineers is projected to occur largely in professional, scientific, and technical services firms, as more companies are expected to tap the expertise of engineers for projects involving electronic devices and systems. These engineers also will remain in demand to develop sophisticated consumer electronics.
The rapid pace of technological innovation will likely drive demand for electrical and electronics engineers in research and development, an area in which engineering expertise will be needed to design distribution systems related to new technologies. These engineers will play key roles in new developments with solar arrays, semiconductors, and communications technologies. The need to upgrade the nation’s power grids will also create demand for electrical engineering services. Additionally, these engineers may play a role in assisting with the automation of various production processes.
For more information about general engineering education and career resources, visit
American Society for Engineering Education
Technology Student Association
For more information about licensure as an electrical or electronics engineer, visit
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
National Society of Professional Engineers
International Society of Automation
For more information about accredited engineering programs, visit
For more information about engineering summer camps, visit
Engineering Education Service Center