### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Electrical and Electronics Engineers Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			electrical and electronics engineers imageElectronics engineers design electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, or scientific applications.							
						Quick Facts:     Electrical and Electronics Engineers2023     Median Pay
            						$109,010     per year
										$52.41     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    299,700Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    5% (Faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    15,800What Electrical and Electronics Engineers Do
                                                
                        
                        
Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Electrical and electronics engineers work in industries including research and development, engineering services, manufacturing, telecommunications, and the federal government. Electrical and electronics engineers generally work indoors in offices. However, they may have to visit sites to observe a problem or a piece of complex equipment.
            
                                                How to Become an Electrical or Electronics Engineer
                                                
                        
Electrical and electronics engineers must have a bachelor’s degree. Employers also value practical experience, such as internships or participation in cooperative engineering programs.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for electrical engineers was $106,950 in May 2023.									                                														The median annual wage for electronics engineers, except computer was $119,200 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of electrical and electronics engineers is projected to grow							 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 17,800 openings for electrical and electronics engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for electrical and electronics engineers.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of electrical and electronics engineers with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about electrical and electronics engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Electrical and Electronics Engineers Do 
            

			Electrical and electronics engineersElectronics engineers analyze the requirements and costs of electrical systems.			
Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, or power generation equipment. Electrical engineers also design the electrical systems of automobiles and aircraft.
Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment, including broadcast and communications systems, such as portable music players and Global Positioning System (GPS) devices. Many also work in areas closely related to computer hardware.
Duties
Electrical engineers typically do the following:
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 budgetElectronics engineers typically do the following:
Design electronic components, software, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, medical, military, or scientific applications
Analyze customer needs and determine the requirements, capacity, and cost for developing an electrical system plan
Develop maintenance and testing procedures for electronic components and equipment
Evaluate systems and recommend design modifications or equipment repair
Inspect electronic equipment, instruments, and systems to make sure they meet safety standards and applicable regulations
Plan and develop applications and modifications for electronic properties used in parts and systems in order to improve technical performanceElectronics engineers who work for the federal government research, develop, and evaluate electronic devices used in a variety of areas, such as aviation, computing, transportation, and manufacturing. They work on federal electronic devices and systems, including satellites, flight systems, radar and sonar systems, and communications systems.
The work of electrical engineers and electronics engineers is often similar. Both use engineering and design software and equipment to do engineering tasks. Both types of engineers also must work with other engineers to discuss existing products and possibilities for engineering projects.
Engineers whose work is related exclusively to computer hardware are considered computer hardware engineers.
 Work Environment
			Electrical and electronics engineersElectrical and electronic engineers work in various industries, including engineering services, research and development, and manufacturing.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Electrical engineers held about 188,800 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of electrical engineers were as follows:
        Engineering services
                19%Electric power generation, transmission and distribution
                9Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing
                7Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
                5Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing
                4Electronics engineers, except computer held about 110,900 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of electronics engineers, except computer were as follows:
        Telecommunications
                18%Federal government, excluding postal service
                14Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing
                11Engineering services
                7Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing
                6Electrical 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.
 How to Become an Electrical or Electronics Engineer

			Electrical and electronics engineersBecoming an electrical or electronics engineer involves the study of math and engineering.			
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.
Electrical and electronics engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, 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.
Important Qualities
***Concentration.*** Electrical and electronics 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 and electronics 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 and electronics 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 and electronics engineers must use the principles of calculus and other advanced 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 also may need to explain complex issues to customers who have little or no technical expertise.
***Writing skills.*** Electrical and electronics engineers develop technical publications related to equipment they develop, including maintenance manuals, operation manuals, parts lists, product proposals, and design methods documents.
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) examThe 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***.***
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.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                        Electrical and Electronics EngineersMedian annual wages, May 2023Electronics engineers, except computer$119,200  Electrical and electronics engineers$109,010  Electrical engineers$106,950  Engineers$102,660  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for electrical engineers was $106,950 in May 2023. 


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 $69,320, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $172,050.The median annual wage for electronics engineers, except computer was $119,200 in May 2023. 


The lowest 10 percent earned less than $76,700, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $179,690.





		
	    					 In May 2023, 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
                $133,040Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing
                126,930Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing
                117,510Electric power generation, transmission and distribution
                109,370Engineering services
                101,440In May 2023, the median annual wages for electronics engineers, except computer in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing
                $144,960Federal government, excluding postal service
                126,610Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing
                125,930Engineering services
                109,650Telecommunications
                105,100Most electrical and electronics engineers work full time.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                       Electrical and Electronics EngineersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Engineers7%  Electronics engineers, except computer7%  Electrical and electronics engineers5%  Electrical engineers4%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of electrical and electronics engineers is projected to grow				 5 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 17,800 openings for electrical and electronics engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Projected employment of electrical and electronics engineers varies by occupation (see table).
Some employment growth is expected as companies continue to utilize the expertise of engineers for projects involving electronic devices and systems. These engineers are expected to have key roles in developing sophisticated consumer electronics, solar arrays, semiconductors, and communications technologies.
			

                        Employment projections data for     electrical and electronics engineers, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Electrical and electronics engineers**
			17-2070
			299,700
			315,500
			5
			15,800
			Get data**Electrical engineers**
			17-2071
			188,800
			196,600
			4
			7,900
			Get data**Electronics engineers, except computer**
			17-2072
			110,900
			118,900
			7
			7,900
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Electrical engineers
					Electronics engineers, except computer **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of electrical and electronics engineers. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Aerospace Engineers**
            Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles.
            Bachelor's degree
            $130,720**Architectural and Engineering Managers**
            Architectural and engineering managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities in the fields of architecture and engineering.
            Bachelor's degree
            $165,370**Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers**
            Bioengineers and biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software.
            Bachelor's degree
            $100,730**Computer Hardware Engineers**
            Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components.
            Bachelor's degree
            $138,080**Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians**
            Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians help engineers design and develop equipment that is powered by electricity or electric current.
            Associate's degree
            $72,800**Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers**
            Electrical and electronics installers and repairers install or repair a variety of electrical equipment.
            See How to Become One
            $67,220**Electricians**
            Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $61,590**Network and Computer Systems Administrators**
            Network and computer systems administrators install, configure, and maintain organizations’ computer networks and systems.
            Bachelor's degree
            $95,360**Sales Engineers**
            Sales engineers sell complex scientific and technological products or services to businesses.
            Bachelor's degree
            $116,950**Electro-mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians**
            Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians operate, test, and maintain electromechanical or robotic equipment.
            Associate's degree
            $65,080
 Contacts for More Information
								
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
ABET

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Electrical EngineersElectronics Engineers, Except ComputerRadio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Electrical and Electronics Engineers, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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