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  1. Occupations
  2. Electrical Engineers

Electrical Engineers

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.
MetricU.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

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Apache Subversion SVN
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • Autodesk Revit
  • Bash
  • Bentley MicroStation
  • C
  • C#
  • C++
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Eclipse IDE
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
  • Microsoft Visual Studio
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Windows Server
  • Microsoft Word
  • Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
  • Perl
  • Python
  • SAP software
  • Shell script
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • UNIX

Technology Skills

  • APLAC
  • ATD protocol
  • AVEVA InTouch HMI
  • Ada
  • Advanced boolean expression language ABEL
  • Altera hardware description language AHDL
  • Automated material handling software
  • Availability prediction modeling software
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Accelerometers
  • Annealing furnaces
  • Atomic force microscopes
  • Auger electron spectrometers
  • Computer servers
  • Cylindrical corona testers
  • Diffractometers
  • Diffusion furnaces
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment

Related Occupations

Occupations with similar skills and knowledge requirements

Most Similar

  • Electronics Engineers, Except Computer 17-2072.00
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians 17-3023.00
  • Mechanical Engineers 17-2141.00
  • Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment 49-2094.00
  • Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians 17-3027.00

Moderately Similar

  • Mechatronics Engineers 17-2199.05
  • Industrial Engineers 17-2112.00
  • Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay 49-2095.00
  • Solar Energy Systems Engineers 17-2199.11
  • Microsystems Engineers 17-2199.06

Related

  • Power Distributors and Dispatchers 51-8012.00
  • Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment 49-2093.00
  • Calibration Technologists and Technicians 17-3028.00
  • Robotics Technicians 17-3024.01
  • Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians 17-3026.00
  • Manufacturing Engineers 17-2112.03
  • Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians 17-3021.00
  • Electrical and Electronics Drafters 17-3012.00
  • Automotive Engineers 17-2141.02
  • Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers 51-2022.00

Related Programs

Education programs that prepare you for this occupation

  • Doctoral DegreeElectrical Engineering (PhD)Issuer: University of Alabama in Huntsville
  • Bachelor's DegreeElectrical Engineering (BSEE)Issuer: University of Alabama in Huntsville
  • Master's DegreeMaster of Science in Electrical EngineeringIssuer: University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Bachelor's DegreeElectrical and Computer Engineering, BSEIssuer: University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Master's DegreeElectrical Engineering, MSEEIssuer: Alabama A&M University
  • Bachelor's DegreeElectrical EngineeringIssuer: Alabama A&M University
  • Post-Baccalaureate CertificateWireless Engineering — Graduate CertificateIssuer: Auburn University
  • Post-Baccalaureate CertificatePower Engineering — Graduate CertificateIssuer: Auburn University
  • Doctoral DegreeElectrical Engineering — PhDIssuer: Auburn University
  • Master's DegreeElectrical Engineering — MSIssuer: Auburn University