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Job outlook for associate electrical engineers in the United States
Associate electrical engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected associate electrical engineer job growth rate is 3% from 2018-2028.
About 9,800 new jobs for associate electrical engineers are projected over the next decade.
Associate electrical engineer salaries have increased 7% for associate electrical engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 50,201 associate electrical engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 31,707 active associate electrical engineer job openings in the US.
The average associate electrical engineer salary is $71,773.
Are associate electrical engineer jobs in demand?
Associate electrical engineer job and salary trends over time
Associate electrical engineer jobs over time
Associate electrical engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 50,201 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 49,985 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 50,080 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 50,328 | 0.02% |
| 2017 | 49,486 | 0.02% |
Average associate electrical engineer salary over time
Associate electrical engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $71,773 | $34.51 | +2.3% |
| 2024 | $70,136 | $33.72 | +2.0% |
| 2023 | $68,790 | $33.07 | +1.7% |
| 2022 | $67,666 | $32.53 | +0.9% |
| 2021 | $67,061 | $32.24 | +1.3% |
Associate electrical engineer jobs by state
Most common states for associate electrical engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 203 | 29% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,023 | 15% |
| 3 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,226 | 14% |
| 4 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 823 | 14% |
| 5 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 724 | 13% |
| 6 | California | 39,536,653 | 4,290 | 11% |
| 7 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 805 | 11% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 436 | 11% |
| 9 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 327 | 11% |
| 10 | Delaware | 961,939 | 106 | 11% |
| 11 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 698 | 10% |
| 12 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 901 | 9% |
| 13 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 493 | 9% |
| 14 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 420 | 9% |
| 15 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 127 | 9% |
| 16 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 51 | 9% |
| 17 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 453 | 8% |
| 18 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 265 | 8% |
| 19 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 158 | 8% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 51 | 8% |
Most common cities for associate electrical engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $77,283 |
| 2 | Goleta | 1 | 3% | $98,677 |
| 3 | Lawndale | 1 | 3% | $96,642 |
| 4 | Columbia | 2 | 2% | $77,127 |
| 5 | Eden Prairie | 1 | 2% | $66,672 |
| 6 | Hagerstown | 1 | 2% | $76,736 |
| 7 | Anaheim | 2 | 1% | $96,278 |
| 8 | Huntsville | 2 | 1% | $74,691 |
| 9 | Wichita | 2 | 1% | $63,341 |
| 10 | Alhambra | 1 | 1% | $96,699 |
| 11 | Gainesville | 1 | 1% | $77,043 |
| 12 | Grand Rapids | 1 | 1% | $70,449 |
| 13 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $70,877 |
| 14 | Baltimore | 1 | 0% | $77,220 |
| 15 | Chandler | 1 | 0% | $68,236 |
| 16 | Gilbert | 1 | 0% | $68,185 |
Associate Electrical Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of associate electrical engineer experts
Gonzaga University
Stevens Institute of Technology
San Diego State University
What general advice would you give to an Associate Electrical Engineer?
Steven Schennum Ph.D. P.E.: Make sure electrical engineering is something that YOU want to do and not something you are doing for someone else (a friend, a relative, etc.). I’ve had students who were pursuing an EE degree just to make their parents (or uncle, or whomever) proud, and weren’t really interested in what they are studying. If you do not have the passion to be an engineer, then do something else. In addition to passion, engineering requires a lot of math, reason, and logic. If you are easily frustrated, struggle with mathematics, and are inclined to give up, then don’t waste your time. Find a more suitable way to live your life. If you live your life by disregarding your own interests while trying to gain the approval of someone else, you will wind up being miserable.
What Associate Electrical Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Steven Schennum Ph.D. P.E.: The most important skill is the ability to learn new things, and especially to unlearn things you “know” after evidence demonstrates that these things are not true. Learn how to analyze information. Your intuition, simulations, and results should all be in alignment. If they are not, then dig deeper. Learn the terminology and jargon specific to your company and your projects. Spend time reading. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be intimidated by new software.
What will help Associate Electrical Engineers increase their earning potential?
Steven Schennum Ph.D. P.E.: Put a good resume together and follow suggestions of people who are experts at preparing resumes. Before you have an interview, practice interviewing. Participate in a mock interview and listen to feedback. Maximize salary potential by documenting your accomplishments, your work, and your results. Keep a journal. If you have good documentation, you can more easily make a case for promotion when the time comes.
What general advice would you give to an Associate Electrical Engineer?
Min Song: Well, first, it’s important to be aware of typical salary ranges within the field and for the company extending an offer in particular, with that knowledge individuals can negotiate to maximize their compensation package. Generally speaking, the job description is great place to start to understand your competitiveness as a candidate and how to make the case for higher compensation. You might not possess all the skills on the list, but you must trust yourself that you will acquire all the needed skills and convince the employer that you will excel in performing the job and thus merit a higher starting salary. One way to earn a salary raise is to continuously improve your skillset, expand your knowledge base, and keep up with the state-of-the-art technology in your field. Another way is to build your professional network and identity, which can lead to promotions or a better job opportunity.
What Associate Electrical Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Min Song: Communication skills and innovative thinking skills. As emerging technologies continue to be complex and multidisciplinary, it’s important to be able to communicate with professionals in diverse disciplines. Taking robotics, for example, the electrical engineer must be able to work with mechanical and biomechanical engineers, computer engineers, software engineers, artificial intelligence experts, cognitive scientists, system engineers, etc. A person will be able to generate innovative ideas only if the person has a complete and comprehensive understanding of the entire system and can work well with other individuals with a range of expertise.
What will help Associate Electrical Engineers increase their earning potential?
Min Song: Have an open mind and be willing to learn new knowledge and skills. College education primarily focuses on the development of critical and creative thinking skills, the learning of fundamental principles and design methodologies, and the building up of enthusiasm and dedication to lifelong learning. Starting a professional career requires new graduates develop the ability to translate the knowledge and skills developed in school to solving complex, real-world problems.
What will help Associate Electrical Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Arif Engin: Electrical engineers solve problems by skillfully applying mathematics and science. Electrical engineering classes are challenging at college, and electrical engineers must embrace lifelong learning to remain at the top of their skills. In the end, seeing the results of their work in a finished product is a rewarding experience.