Electrical engineers
SOC Code: 17-2071Also known as:
Automation Engineer, Cable Engineer, Circuits Engineer, Controls Engineer, Design Engineer
Median Annual Salary
$111,910
+7.2% growth (2024-2034)
12K
Openings/Year
192K
Current Jobs
What Electrical engineers Do
Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.
💰 Salary
$111,910
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+7.2%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
12K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
192,000
Projected Employment (2034)
205,700
Related Careers
Electronics engineers, except computer
$127,590 •
+6.2% growth
Mechanical engineers
$102,320 •
+9.1% growth
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians
$77,180 •
+0.6% growth
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
$68,730 •
+0.0% growth
Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment
$71,300 •
-0.8% growth
Top Skills Required
Writing
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Speaking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Design, implement, maintain, or improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, or domestic purposes.
- Oversee project production efforts to assure projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Direct or coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, or testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, or customer requirements.
- Perform detailed calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction, or installation standards or specifications.
- Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform engineering tasks.
- Confer with engineers, customers, or others to discuss existing or potential engineering projects or products.
- Investigate or test vendors' or competitors' products.
- Inspect completed installations and observe operations to ensure conformance to design and equipment specifications and compliance with operational, safety, or environmental standards.
- Investigate customer or public complaints to determine the nature and extent of problems.
- Prepare technical drawings, specifications of electrical systems, or topographical maps to ensure that installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Electrical engineers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a electrical engineers:
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
25,975 degrees awarded •
419 colleges offer this program
Electrical and Computer Engineering
2,006 degrees awarded •
40 colleges offer this program
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering, Other
434 degrees awarded •
21 colleges offer this program
Electromechanical Engineering
53 degrees awarded •
5 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Electrical engineers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become electrical engineers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electrical engineers make?
The median annual salary for electrical engineers is $111,910.
What education do electrical engineers need?
Most electrical engineers positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering, Other.
Is becoming electrical engineers a good career choice?
Electrical engineers is projected to see +7.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 11,700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for electrical engineers?
Top colleges for aspiring electrical engineers include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-Los Angeles, University of California-Berkeley, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, Carnegie Mellon University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to electrical engineers?
Electrical engineers may also be known as: Automation Engineer, Cable Engineer, Circuits Engineer, Controls Engineer, Design Engineer, Distribution Engineer, Distribution Field Engineer, District Plant Engineer, Division Engineer, Division Plant Engineer, Electrical Controls Engineer, Electrical Design Engineer, Electrical Designer, Electrical Engineer, Electrical Engineering Intern, Electrical Integrator, Electrical Power Engineer, Electrical Products Engineer, Electrical Project Engineer, Electrical Prospecting Engineer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.