Why We Love It
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$97,340Potential Avg. Salary
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1%Job Growth Rate
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Growing DemandJob Outlook
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Creativity FocusedCareer Attribute
Electrical engineers design and improve products and systems with electrical components. They may work in manufacturing and design products like electric motors, computers, or microchips, or they may work in the utilities industry, designing electrical control and generation systems for widespread use.
Recommended Schools
What is an Electrical Engineer (EE)?
The following job responsibilities are common for individuals in electrical engineer roles:
- Design, develop, and test products and systems that use electrical components
- Operate computer-aided design (CAD) technologies to assist with electrical design
- Ensure produced products are thoroughly tested, fully functional, and safe for use
- Invent innovative products using new electrical components and technologies
A Day in the Life
Electrical engineers are innovators and craftsmen who are responsible for the design, testing, and production of products that utilize electrical components. They may design small electrical components—such as microchips—used for computers, phones, and other electrical devices, or they may design major electrical systems, such as those used by utilities providers. They are experts in understanding how electricity can be conducted and transferred through a variety of components to yield safe and effective results.
Electrical engineers use a variety of tools to conduct their day-to-day responsibilities. Many use computer-aided design (CAD) software for assistance in designing electrical components to meet detailed and exact specifications. This allows for the efficient and correct manufacturing of products and systems during production. Not only do electrical engineers design and build electrical systems, they also conduct thorough testing on produced components to ensure correct and safe functionality.
Often, electrical engineers must work closely with project managers and other business leadership roles to ensure that developed projects are delivered on time and within budget. Because companies are required to make profits from sales of their products, the electrical engineer must frequently find ways to limit or reduce costs through the use of alternative materials, more efficient manufacturing techniques, or less robust product development.
Typical Work Schedule
Most electrical engineers work full-time during normal business hours. Overtime may be required on occasion but is not common, and most electrical engineers are off on evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Projected Job Growth
As technology has advanced in recent years, consumer electronics have become more affordable and, therefore, more common. The increased demand for consumer electronics is expected to create an increased demand for electrical engineers who specialize in designing electronics and their components.
Typical Employers
The industries that hire the largest number of electrical engineers include telecommunications, manufacturing, and government. Electrical engineers may be hired by companies of any size, including both startups and major corporations.
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How To Become an Electrical Engineer (EE)
The minimum requirement for finding work as an electrical engineer is having a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, electrical engineering technology, or electronics engineering. These programs are focused on the types of technologies and methods that aspiring electrical engineers must utilize in their roles, offering better preparation than other, more general engineering degrees.
Beyond a degree, most employers will look to hire electrical engineers with professional experience. Experience for new graduates of electrical engineering programs can be acquired through a number of avenues. Graduates can find internships in the field, or they may look for entry-level positions. Entry-level positions usually consist of working as an assistant to an experienced electrical engineer, performing non-critical design and testing responsibilities.
For higher-paying or more senior-level electrical engineering positions, a master’s degree may be required. Some students may be able to complete bachelor’s and master’s degree programs concurrently by enrolling in a five-year program that culminates in the awarding of both degrees. Others may complete a bachelor’s degree and start earning on-the job experience before moving on to enroll in a master’s degree program.
Electrical Engineer (EE) Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$73,220Average
$97,340High Range
$146,820National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$35/hrAverage
$47/hrHigh Range
$71/hrHow do Electrical Engineer (EE) salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Electrical Engineer (EE)'s can make an average annual salary of $97,340, or $47 per hour. On the lower end, they can make $73,220 or $35 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#73 Nationally for All Careers
Above Average Salary Nationally
Programs and Degrees
Here are the most common degrees for becoming an Electrical Engineer (EE). a is usually recommended and specifically a degree or coursework that prepares you for the particular field, see below.
Highest Education Among Electrical Engineer (EE)s
- 6.7% Doctorate
- 25.6% Masters
- 49.1% Bachelors
- 8.4% Associates
- 7% College
- 3% High School
- 0.1% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
178,4002024 Est. Jobs
180,200Job Growth Rate
1%Est. New Jobs
1,800How does Electrical Engineer (EE) job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 1,800 jobs for a total of 180,200 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 1% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Above Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#578 Nationally for All Careers
Above Avg. Growth Nationally
What Companies Employ The Most Electrical Engineer (EE)s
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering services | 38,800 | 4,500 | 5% |
| Electric power generation, transmission and distribution | 17,600 | -1,800 | -2% |
| Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing | 12,900 | -1,300 | -1% |
