Electrical Engineer

Electrical engineers work in industries including research and development, engineering services, manufacturing, telecommunications, and the federal government.

Electrical engineers generally work indoors in offices. However, they may have to visit sites to observe a problem or a piece of complex equipment.

Some of the things electrical engineers might do:

• Design new ways to use electrical power to develop or improve products
• Perform detailed calculations to develop manufacturing, construction, and installation standards and specifications
• Direct the manufacture, installation, and testing of electrical equipment to ensure that products meet specifications and codes
• Investigate complaints from customers or the public, evaluate problems, and recommend solutions
• Work with project managers on production efforts to ensure that projects are completed satisfactorily, on time, and within budget

Watch this video to learn about what our electrical engineer role models do in their careers:

• Concentration. Electrical engineers design and develop complex electrical systems and electronic components and products. They must keep track of multiple design elements and technical characteristics when performing these tasks.
• Initiative. Electrical engineers must apply their 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 engineers must 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 engineers must use the principles of calculus and other advanced math in order to analyze, design, and troubleshoot equipment.
• Speaking skills. Electrical 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 also may need to explain complex issues to customers who have little or no technical expertise.
• Writing skills. Electrical engineers develop technical publications related to equipment they develop, including maintenance manuals, operation manuals, parts lists, product proposals, and design methods documents.

Watch this video to learn more from our electrical engineer role models:

The average pay for electrical engineers in the United States was $106,950 in May 2023 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The specific pay depends on factors such as level of experience, education and training, geographic location, and specific industry.

About 17,800 new job openings for both electrical and electronics engineers are projected each year, on average, over the next 10 years in the United States. In 2022 there were about 188,800 electrical engineers and 110,900 electronics engineers working in the United States.

Overall employment of electrical engineers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2022 to 2032 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.

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 be needed to develop sophisticated consumer electronics.

In order to enter the occupation, prospective electrical 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.

High school students interested in studying electrical 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.

Discover some of the courses you will take pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering.

Watch this video to learn more from our electrical engineer role models: