Become An Electrical Engineer
Where do you want to work?
Working As An Electrical Engineer
- Interacting With Computers
- Getting Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Mostly Sitting
$80,000
Average Salary
What Does An Electrical Engineer Do
Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing 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, such as broadcast and communications systems, from portable music players to global positioning systems (GPSs). Many also work in areas closely related to computer hardware.
DutiesElectrical 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 budget
Electronics 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 that 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 performance
Electronics 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.
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How To Become An Electrical Engineer
Electrical and electronics engineers must have a bachelor’s degree. Employers also value practical experience, so participation in cooperative engineering programs, in which students earn academic credit for structured work experience. Having a Professional Engineer (PE) license may improve an engineer’s chances of finding employment.
EducationHigh school students interested in studying electrical or electronics engineering benefit from taking courses in physics and mathematics, including algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. Courses in drafting are also helpful, because electrical and electronics engineers often are required to prepare technical drawings.
In order to enter the occupation, prospective electrical and electronics engineers need a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or electrical engineering technology. 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 QualitiesConcentration. Electrical and electronics engineers design and develop complex electrical systems and electronic components and products. They must be able to keep track of multiple design elements and technical characteristics when performing these tasks.
Initiative. Electrical and electronics engineers must be able to 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 be able to 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 be able to 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 RegistrationsLicensure 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
- A passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam
The initial Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam can be taken right after graduation from a college or university. Engineers who pass this exam commonly are called engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs). After getting work experience, EITs can take the second exam, called the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam.
Several states require engineers to take continuing education courses to keep their license. Most states recognize licensure from other states if the licensing state’s requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements.
AdvancementElectrical 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.
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Electrical Engineer jobs
Electrical Engineer Career Paths
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Senior Electronic Engineer 5.3 years
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Senior Electrical Engineer 5.1 years
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Principal Electrical Engineer 5.0 years
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Senior Electrical Design Engineer 4.8 years
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Staff Electrical Engineer 4.8 years
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Principal Engineer 4.7 years
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Electrical Designer 4.7 years
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Electrical Engineering Project Manager 4.6 years
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Electronics Engineer 4.4 years
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Manager Of Electrical Engineering 4.3 years
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Electrical Project Engineer 4.3 years
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Electrical Controls Engineer 4.2 years
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Electrical Engineer 4.0 years
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Electrical Engineering Technician 3.7 years
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Electrical Design Engineer 3.7 years
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Chief Electrical Engineer 3.6 years
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System Design Engineer 3.6 years
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Electrical Test Engineer 3.5 years
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Electrical Systems Engineer 3.5 years
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Electrical Technician 3.4 years
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Field Electrical Engineer 3.3 years
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Electrical Engineer Lead 3.0 years
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Electrical Maintenance Engineer 2.9 years
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Contracting Engineer 2.5 years
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Associate Electrical Engineer 2.2 years
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Contract Electrical Engineer 1.6 years
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Electrical Engineer Internship 0.6 years
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Project Engineer 8.3%
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Design Engineer 6.5%
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Engineer 5.9%
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Internship 5.8%
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Research Assistant 5.1%
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Test Engineer 4.5%
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Systems Engineer 4.3%
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Electronics Engineer 3.5%
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Controls Engineer 3.4%
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Electrical Designer 3.4%
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Project Manager 3.3%
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Field Engineer 3.0%
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Electrician 2.9%
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Project Engineer 9.0%
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Project Manager 7.0%
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Systems Engineer 6.9%
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Engineer 5.7%
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Engineering Manager 4.8%
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Senior Engineer 4.4%
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Design Engineer 4.3%
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Controls Engineer 4.3%
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Software Engineer 3.9%
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Test Engineer 3.3%
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Consultant 3.2%
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Research Assistant 3.1%
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Application Engineer 2.4%
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Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Electrical Engineer
Top Careers After Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineer Demographics
Gender
-
Male
83.4% -
Female
11.3% -
Unknown
5.4%
Ethnicity
-
White
65.5% -
Asian
17.7% -
Hispanic or Latino
10.0% -
Unknown
5.7% -
Black or African American
1.1%
Languages Spoken
-
Spanish
30.7% -
French
10.0% -
Arabic
9.1% -
Chinese
7.9% -
Mandarin
7.3% -
German
4.9% -
Japanese
4.1% -
Hindi
4.0% -
Russian
3.8% -
Italian
3.0% -
Portuguese
2.7% -
Korean
2.5% -
Carrier
2.1% -
Cantonese
1.6% -
Urdu
1.3% -
Gujarati
1.1% -
Ukrainian
1.1% -
Persian
1.0% -
Polish
1.0% -
Vietnamese
0.8%
Electrical Engineer
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Electrical Engineer Education
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Purdue University
8.0% -
Rochester Institute of Technology
6.8% -
Drexel University
6.4% -
Northeastern University
6.4% -
Pennsylvania State University
6.2% -
Georgia Institute of Technology -
5.6% -
University of Houston
5.4% -
Arizona State University
5.1% -
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
4.8% -
University of Florida
4.6% -
New Jersey Institute of Technology
4.6% -
Texas A&M University
4.4% -
University of Central Florida
4.4% -
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
4.4% -
Michigan Technological University
4.2% -
University of Illinois at Chicago
4.0% -
Old Dominion University
4.0% -
Illinois Institute of Technology
3.7% -
University of Phoenix
3.6% -
University of Massachusetts - Lowell
3.5% -
Electrical Engineering 64.7%
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Computer Engineering 6.0%
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Business 4.9%
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Engineering 3.2%
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Computer Science 2.1%
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Management 1.2%
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Project Management 1.1%
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Systems Engineering 1.1%
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Physics 0.9%
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Finance 0.7%
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Computer Networking 0.6%
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Education 0.6%
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Bachelors
50.0% -
Masters
29.8% -
Other
9.9% -
Doctorate
4.3% -
Associate
3.4% -
Certificate
1.9% -
Diploma
0.6% -
License
0.1%
Schools
Majors
Degrees
Electrical Engineer
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Real Electrical Engineer Salaries
Job Title
|
Company
|
Location
|
Start Date
|
Salary
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead Electrical Engineer | Worleyparsons Group, Inc. | Houston, TX | Jan 08, 2015 | $275,475 |
| Patent Agent/Engineer-Electrical Engineering | Lee & Hayes PLLC | Vancouver, WA | Sep 07, 2015 | $206,000 |
| Director, IBX Electrical Engineering | Equinix, Inc. | Sunnyvale, CA | Sep 01, 2015 | $170,000 |
| Director, IBX Electrical Engineering | Equinix, Inc. | Sunnyvale, CA | Aug 19, 2016 | $170,000 |
| Electrical Engineer | Vibrant Genomics, LLC | San Carlos, CA | Sep 19, 2016 | $167,565 |
| Electrical Engineer | Vibrant Sciences, LLC | San Carlos, CA | Sep 19, 2016 | $167,000 |
| Electrical Engineer | HRI Energy Services, Inc. | Houston, TX | Aug 15, 2016 | $160,000 |
| Electrical Engineer | Elysium Digital, LLC | Boston, MA | Jun 22, 2015 | $150,264 |
| Electrical Engineer | Facebook, Inc. | Menlo Park, CA | Oct 31, 2016 | $150,000 |
| Electrical Engineer | Gerling & Associates, LLC | Sunbury, OH | Sep 20, 2015 | $150,000 |
| Electrical Engineer | Bechtel Power Corporation | Reston, VA | Jun 13, 2016 | $149,208 |
| Electrical Engineer 6 | Black & Veatch Corporation | Rancho Cordova, CA | Sep 04, 2015 | $147,826 - $192,750 |
| Electrical Engineer | Otis Elevator Company | Florence, SC | Apr 06, 2015 | $85,571 |
| Electrical Engineer | Populus Group | Auburn Hills, MI | Aug 27, 2015 | $85,567 |
| Electrical Engineer | Cymer LLC | San Diego, CA | Aug 29, 2015 | $85,494 - $105,300 |
| Electrical Engineer | Bechtel Oil, Gas and Chemicals, Inc. | Houston, TX | Sep 18, 2015 | $85,260 |
| Electrical Engineer | Zenith Electronics LLC | Lincolnshire, IL | Sep 24, 2015 | $85,054 |
| Electrical Engineer 3 (Enel3) | CDM Smith Inc. | Dallas, TX | Nov 01, 2015 | $85,010 |
| Electrical Engineer 3 (Enel3) | CDM Smith Inc. | Dallas, TX | Jan 11, 2015 | $85,010 |
| Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering | Kennesaw State University | Marietta, GA | Aug 26, 2016 | $73,892 |
| Electrical Engineer II | Fujitsu Ten Corp. of America | Novi, MI | Mar 08, 2016 | $73,882 |
| Electrical Engineer | Delphi Corporation | Troy, MI | Jan 05, 2016 | $73,882 |
| Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | Aug 01, 2015 | $73,836 - $80,000 |
| Electrical Engineer | Continental Automotive Systems, Inc. | Deer Park, IL | Jun 08, 2016 | $73,810 - $93,277 |
| Electrical Engineer | Hwa-Yee Nu-Energy, Inc. | Syosset, NY | Sep 22, 2016 | $73,700 |
| Assistant Professor, Electrical Engineering | Anderson University | Anderson, IN | Dec 15, 2016 | $73,700 |
| Electrical Engineer | Hwa-Yee Nu-Energy, Inc. | Syosset, NY | Sep 24, 2016 | $73,700 |
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Top Skills for An Electrical Engineer
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Top Electrical Engineer Skills
- PLC
- Hardware
- Control Systems
- Use of programming logic controls (PLC), Human machine interface for automation processes.
- Determined composition of hardware documentation (parts list, wire run list, electrical schematics and terminal plans).
- Design Electrical Control Systems for High Speed Canning Machinery.
- Cable Sizing and Cable Routing Design, Circuit Breaker Sizing selection, Voltage Drop calculation.
- Developed concept of cable management include strain relief, bundle layout, shielding, etc.
Top Electrical Engineer Employers
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