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Job outlook for power distribution engineers in the United States
Are power distribution engineer jobs in demand?
Power distribution engineer job and salary trends over time
Power distribution engineer jobs over time
Power distribution engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 161 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 160 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 160 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 161 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 158 | 0.00% |
Average power distribution engineer salary over time
Power distribution engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $80,231 | $38.57 | +2.3% |
| 2024 | $78,401 | $37.69 | +2.0% |
| 2023 | $76,897 | $36.97 | +1.7% |
| 2022 | $75,640 | $36.37 | +0.9% |
| 2021 | $74,963 | $36.04 | +1.3% |
Power distribution engineer jobs by state
Most common states for power distribution engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 225 | 32% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 909 | 11% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 99 | 10% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 600 | 9% |
| 5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 549 | 9% |
| 6 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 568 | 8% |
| 7 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 466 | 8% |
| 8 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 235 | 8% |
| 9 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 310 | 7% |
| 10 | Vermont | 623,657 | 41 | 7% |
| 11 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 40 | 7% |
| 12 | California | 39,536,653 | 2,354 | 6% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 109 | 6% |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 654 | 5% |
| 15 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 473 | 5% |
| 16 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 246 | 5% |
| 17 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 170 | 5% |
| 18 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 103 | 5% |
| 19 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 67 | 5% |
| 20 | Alaska | 739,795 | 34 | 5% |
Most common cities for power distribution engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Juneau | 2 | 6% | $96,602 |
| 2 | Horsham | 1 | 4% | $83,629 |
| 3 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $94,994 |
| 4 | Clinton | 1 | 3% | $94,873 |
| 5 | Annandale | 1 | 2% | $94,133 |
| 6 | Little Rock | 2 | 1% | $70,729 |
| 7 | Sunnyvale | 2 | 1% | $109,636 |
| 8 | Urban Honolulu | 2 | 1% | $81,712 |
| 9 | Alexandria | 1 | 1% | $94,227 |
| 10 | Costa Mesa | 1 | 1% | $101,892 |
| 11 | Hartford | 1 | 1% | $81,582 |
| 12 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $72,334 |
| 13 | San Diego | 2 | 0% | $100,628 |
| 14 | Detroit | 1 | 0% | $72,728 |
| 15 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $66,583 |
Power Distribution Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of power distribution engineer experts
Gonzaga University
Stevens Institute of Technology
California State University - Fresno
California State University - Fresno
University of Alabama at Birmingham
San Diego State University
Jackson State University
University of Utah
The University of Texas at Austin
Old Dominion University
University of Central Florida
Tufts University
Kennesaw State University
University of Louisville
University of California, Davis
Wright State University
University of Utah
What general advice would you give to a Power Distribution Engineer?
Craig Johnson Ph.D., P.E.: To begin your career in our field, please know that there are some shared values, some behavior constraints, and some awesome possible career paths for you to explore! Our program is accredited through ABET, which means that you can acquire your Professional Engineering licensure. Along with licensure are ethics compliance and legal behavior. You must put safety as a first constraint in all work. Create great technical solutions to real problems that may affect us all. Politics and company policies evolve, and we must evolve with them. New finance realities dictate that you will be more active in both seeking new jobs and changing jobs to promote your careers. You are at the center of many crossroads of technical activity that present options for your path forward.
What will help Power Distribution Engineers increase their earning potential?
Craig Johnson Ph.D., P.E.: Master basic science and engineering concepts, as well as application of 'soft skills' such as written and verbal communication. Acquire skills and knowledge areas in electromechanical devices, especially in areas of energy and heat transfer, reflecting current issues related to climate change and power management.
What Power Distribution 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 Power Distribution 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 Power Distribution 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 general advice would you give to a Power Distribution Engineer?
Hovannes Kulhandjian Ph.D.: Negotiate Your Starting Salary: Research industry salary standards and be prepared to negotiate a competitive starting salary based on your qualifications and experience. Pursue In-Demand Skills: Develop specialized skills and certifications that are in high demand within the industry. This can make you more valuable to employers. Seek Opportunities for Advancement: Look for roles with potential for growth and advancement within the company. Express your interest in taking on challenging projects and responsibilities. Leverage Internships and Experience: Demonstrate your value to employers by showcasing your internships, projects, and relevant experience. Stay Informed: Keep up with industry trends and market conditions. Staying informed can help you position yourself for better opportunities and salary increases.
What Power Distribution Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Hovannes Kulhandjian Ph.D.: Programming and Software Development: As technology advances, the integration of hardware and software becomes more prevalent. Familiarity with programming languages like Python, C++, or MATLAB can be beneficial. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: These technologies are being increasingly used in electrical engineering applications such as signal processing, automation, and control systems. Data Analysis: The ability to interpret and analyze data from sensors and other sources will become more important as data-driven decision-making continues to grow. Cybersecurity: Protecting electrical systems from cyber threats is becoming increasingly important. Understanding cybersecurity principles can be a valuable asset. Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaboration across different engineering disciplines and fields such as computer science, mechanical engineering, and environmental science will be essential for complex projects.
What will help Power Distribution Engineers increase their earning potential?
Hovannes Kulhandjian Ph.D.: Stay Curious and Keep Learning: The field of electrical engineering is constantly evolving. Stay up to date with the latest advancements and technologies through continuous learning and professional development. Build a Strong Foundation: Focus on mastering the core principles of electrical engineering to provide a strong foundation for your career. Network: Build professional relationships with peers, mentors, and industry experts. Attend conferences and seminars to expand your network and learn from others. Gain Practical Experience: Look for internships, co-op positions, or entry-level jobs that provide hands-on experience. This practical exposure will help you apply your knowledge and stand out in the job market. Develop Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are crucial in any engineering role. Cultivate these skills to work effectively with others and advance your career.
What general advice would you give to a Power Distribution Engineer?
Aaron Stillmaker Ph.D.: I highly encourage students starting to look for jobs to get their resume polished both by talking with a trusted professor and taking advantage of career centers at their university. I always suggest that students highlight fascinating projects on their resumes that highlight their knowledge base without having to list skills, and they need to be ready to talk intelligibly about those projects. I would make sure to prepare for interviews by brushing up on design course material that are taught in the courses most closely pertaining to the specialty they are interviewing for. I also suggest they contact professors they have a good relationship with to ask them to reach out to their contacts in the field, as many professors have connections in the industry and are happy to help their good students attain good jobs.
What will help Power Distribution Engineers increase their earning potential?
Aaron Stillmaker Ph.D.: To maximize your salary I always tell my students to make sure to research what the average entry engineer in that specialty and location makes, which is easy both by researching online and talking with colleagues. Make sure to apply to many positions at the same time and ideally get interviews around the same time. Ideally if you get multiple companies that want to hire them, they can use the job offers to compete with each other. I also always tell students to ideally not say a desired number first, and no matter what the hiring manager offers them they should ask for more. If the number is below average, they have a strong hand to ask for more, but even with a good offer, I always suggest students ask for 10% more than what was offered. The worst thing they can say is no, and hold firm on the offer, so they have nothing to lose.
What Power Distribution Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Arie Nakhmani: Electrical Engineering has always (from its inception) been a good profession to enter, but now it is better than ever. Now everything is becoming Electrical Engineering, and the world cannot survive without it even for a few days. Electrical Engineering is the most necessary profession for the survival of modern society.
What general advice would you give to a Power Distribution Engineer?
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.
What will help Power Distribution 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.
Mahmoud Manzoul
Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Jackson State UniversityJackson State University
Electrical, Electronics, And Communications Engineering
What Power Distribution Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mahmoud Manzoul: In addition to honing strong technical abilities, cultivating soft skills is paramount. Unfortunately, as professors, we often overlook the significance of these skills, which are indispensable for thriving in one's career. Soft skills encompass effective communication across diverse audiences and the ability to collaborate harmoniously within a team.
Florian Solzbacher
Department Chair, Professor, Elect & Computer EngineeringUniversity of Utah
Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
What skills stand out on Power Distribution Engineer resumes?
Florian Solzbacher: Examples of having applied the knowledge gained in their studies to practical examples of solving engineering problems that require the combination of skills and at least some understanding of system engineering aspects are important signals that graduating engineers are ready to be productive in a real-world setting are always important. Obviously, participating in projects that address current "hot topic" problems, e.g., in robotics, AI/machine learning, power systems, biomedical applications, or that resonate with specific problems an employer is currently working on, will raise a student's profile.
Supplemental skills, such as Entrepreneurial or business training, can enhance and differentiate a student's resume. This shows that an engineer is not solely focused on the core technical engineering skills but does have an understanding of the driving forces and their interaction in a real-world business setting, that are not only part of the design requirements for a product (e.g., design to cost), but also often drive the selection of technical solution paths, after all, every development and product has to make business sense. Imagine two young engineers proposing a solution to their manager for a new product: one maybe even over-exceeds the technical requirements, but the development and/or manufacturing and servicing effort and cost is significantly higher than a colleagues solution that may only just about reach the requirements, or maybe even compromise on some specifications, but that is far cheaper to develop, make and service and that may allow entering a far larger market- chances are very high that the business may decide to go for the "inferior" solution from a technical point of view, that is, however, the better product. This supplemental skill set is a significant competitive advantage to have as an engineer.
Sanjay Banerjee Ph.D.
ProfessorThe University of Texas at Austin
Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
What will help Power Distribution Engineers increase their earning potential?
Sanjay Banerjee Ph.D.: Getting a graduate degree like a Masters or PhD.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Power Distribution Engineers?
Michel Audette Ph.D.: My take on this is what I've seen with my wife's work in industry, which suggests that the industrial landscape is going to be increasingly equipped for, and open to, remote work. I think that the implication for graduates is that they may need to be flexible about working within a geographically distributed team. If company deciders feel that someone is worth employing because of a unique skill set, then they would typically be more willing to hire that person even if unable to make it to work regularly, if that is feasible given the nature of the work; some work, such as hardware testing or industrial production, may not lend itself to remote contributions.
Nonetheless, for those areas that accommodate geographically distributed activity, such as software development, graduates can expect to interact with team members all over the US, possibly all over the world, if someone is deemed unique enough to hire despite living abroad. This places a high premium on the ability and willingness to work in a heterogeneous team, where not only will members look different, but also have myriad accents in their English, which will also impose a certain adaptability and tolerance to team members.
A related impact could also be that global hiring will make it easier for multi-national companies to hire a portion of their talent in countries where wages are lower and motivate US-based engineers to seek out graduate degrees in order to increase their competitiveness and employability at US salaries.
What experience really stands out on Power Distribution Engineer resumes?
Michel Audette Ph.D.: I am not in Human Resources, so I cannot speak from that perspective, but I suspect that a resume that can describe in a few words not only some meaningful projects undertaken by the engineer, but through a few well-crafted sentences, convey that this engineer has an important role in a design project and possesses real expertise rather than just the ability to insert buzzwords in a sentence. I once heard Elon Musk say in describing who he hired for Tesla, that a true expert can describe a problem at several scales; I like that definition. It takes more than buzzword-level expertise to do that.
I also believe that employers are looking for certain industry-standard tools, such as GIT software revision control or MS TEAMs, as well as relevant open-source tools that relate to that specific area of the company in question. I am convinced that they also value any leadership qualities that they can ascertain from a resume, where a candidate makes the case for having a formative impact on the outcome of a project. Not a blowhard, made-for-TV, hierarchical take on leadership, but the ability to take a high-level view of the state of a project, parse it in terms of what the bottlenecks or pitfalls are, find a technical solution collegially, as well as rally and motivate collaborators to see those critical areas through.
Maria Jacob
ProfessorUniversity of Central Florida
Department of ECE
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Power Distribution Engineers?
Maria Jacob: Well, this is a somewhat difficult question, since it's hard to predict what is going to happen.
Given the current research, everything seems to indicate that even with the vaccine, we won't be able to come back to what we were used to for a long time.
This will mean, work and classes from home for some time. Although I see and enjoy some of the advantages of staying at home (that go from clothing to saving money on gas), I feel we are losing some of the human contact we were used to. Of course, we have software like Zoom or Meet that helps us to communicate with others, but this virtuality is just simply different. For example, some students do just fine, and others can't deal with the fact that they have to write their questions over a chat. More than that, some students have family making everything more difficult.
There are other aspects that also impact the knowledge the new graduates have at the time of start working. For example, we as professors also have to take into account that we are living special circumstances and that some students may find this new system more difficult. Then, sometimes is easy to overcompensate and be more lenient with some things. If we are not careful this could lead to students graduating having less knowledge in some topics, where students pass a class not knowing certain topics that they should.
What type of skills will young Power Distribution Engineers need?
Maria Jacob: I feel that the skills needed will not change to what is currently required; however, it may well happen that some of the graduates don't have them. For example, good communications skills. It may happen that the graduates have good written skills but not verbal, since more and more we send emails than calling someone. I know, I sound like an old person, which is funny because I'm writing this...
What type of skills will young Power Distribution Engineers need?
Eric Miller Ph.D.: Collaboration and communication. The most pressing problems being addressed by engineers all have critical, non-technical components. The impact of possible solutions on people or the environment, the ethical implications of new and evolving technologies, the tradeoffs of investing in one area rather than another; all of these and related issues are increasingly integral to the engineering process. As such, it is critical for new graduates to be able to work not just well, but truly productively with people from all sorts of backgrounds and in all different fields. Central to this effort is an ability to communicate technical issues clearly and concisely to highly intelligent people whose skills may be in very non-technical areas such as law, public policy, media, and the like.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Power Distribution Engineers?
Eric Miller Ph.D.: I believe that there may well be some long term impact. Hopefully not in terms of health, but perhaps in terms of the way we work. It is possible, if not likely, that remote work and education will not be going away any time soon. How they evolve over the coming years depends on a variety of factors including the extent to which technology provides the "being there" feeling that is currently absent or at least rather attenuated when using products like Zoom, WebEx or Teams.
How do you envision technology impacting Power Distribution Engineers in the next 5 years?
Hai Ho Ph.D.: We are heading into the so-called fourth industrial revolution with blossoming technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, mixed reality, etc. Therefore, this field will experience tremendous growth and opportunities.
Cindy Harnett Ph.D.
Assoc Professor, Electrical & Computer EngUniversity of Louisville
J.B. Speed School of Engineering
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Power Distribution Engineers?
Cindy Harnett Ph.D.: I had an EE student who was an essential worker because he worked part-time at the power company. The power systems field is going to stay in demand. He had multiple jobs to choose from at graduation.
We also do a lot of device simulations and draw up circuit layouts in software. That's great for remote work, something students are likely to be thinking about now.
For students who are more hardware-oriented, prospects for remote work are still pretty good, thanks to miniaturization and low cost of setting up a workbench. My embedded systems students were able to carry on with remote coursework by taking small circuit boards home.
In 2020 when we can't go into the office, EEs can still be productive working from home.
We do seek grad students to work in research labs and we'll pay their tuition, salary, and health insurance.
Going to grad school means doing cutting-edge research and writing papers. It's exciting but it also means looking for a job in a few years.
It's too soon for me to spot a 2020 trend yet, but in recent years they've largely gone with their co-op employers right out of the master's degree program.
What Power Distribution Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Andre Knoesen Ph.D.: The gap year is an excellent period to expand soft skills (e.g., communication, critical thinking, creativity, writing, and exposure to other cultures) that are essential for new engineers. Basic engineering talents could be maintained by volunteering time in K-12 schools, such as assisting in distance learning efforts.
What general advice would you give to a Power Distribution Engineer?
Fred Garber Ph.D.: I think the primary question, in the minds of those who are yet to graduate or are still searching, is in regard to the strength of the technical job market, especially the local job market. But you are in a position to definitively answer that question.
In you article, I would ask that you address the following:
Number of employers looking to fill and number of job offerings in the region (by engineering and computer science major) compared to last year and to the previous five years.
Any noticeable differences in job descriptions Zippia is receiving relative to work environment, benefits, starting salaries, etc.
Many of our soon-to-graduate students would be very interested in these quantitative and qualitative comparisons. Additionally, vast numbers of potential students would benefit from such information to guide their career choices.
What general advice would you give to a Power Distribution Engineer?
Dr. Angela Rasmussen: Take heart that while Electrical Engineering jobs have been impacted by COVID19, it's impact is minimal in comparison to most other areas. While many areas have been hit hard by layoffs, Electrical Engineering has only slightly been affected in comparison. Many companies have declared hiring freezes and many others are still hiring. Therefore, don't get discouraged. There are Electrical Engineerings jobs needing to be filled! Make sure to be professional in all your interactions and work on improving your online presence.