Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.
SOC: 17-2071.00
Common Job Titles
Design Engineer
Electrical Design Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Project Engineer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeDesign electrical systems and components for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific applications using CAD software and electronic design automation tools, applying engineering principles and physics knowledge.
Advanced
KnowledgeFormulate testing protocols and validation procedures for electrical components and systems considering reliability analysis, failure modes, and quality control requirements.
Advanced
KnowledgeSynthesize emerging technologies and research findings into practical engineering applications through continuous learning and staying current with industry advancements.
Advanced
KnowledgeAnalyze circuit performance and signal integrity using simulation software such as SPICE and MATLAB, following industry standards and specifications.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate electrical equipment designs for compliance with safety standards and performance requirements in manufacturing and installation settings, coordinating with cross-functional teams.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess complex technical problems in electrical systems applying critical thinking and mathematical analysis to develop optimal solutions.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate specialized electrical testing equipment including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and network analyzers in laboratory and field environments, following established measurement protocols.
Proficient
KnowledgeDevelop technical documentation including specifications, test reports, and design drawings for internal teams and external stakeholders, ensuring clarity and regulatory compliance.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate feedback from multidisciplinary teams into iterative design processes when managing project timelines and coordinating with manufacturing, quality assurance, and client representatives.
Proficient
Hands-onExecute printed circuit board design and layout using CAD/CADD software tools such as AutoCAD and OrCAD, meeting manufacturing specifications.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Electrical Engineers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
188,790
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $74,670. 25th percentile: U.S. $87,590. 50th percentile: U.S. $111,910. 75th percentile: U.S. $141,630. 90th percentile: U.S. $175,460. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$74,670
10% of workers earn the following or more
$175,460
Workers on average earn
$120,980
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Engineering and Technology4.7/5
Computers and Electronics4.7/5
Design4.1/5
English Language3.8/5
Mathematics3.7/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation