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Electrical and Electronics Engineers


At a Glance

  • Usually specialize in one area
  • Design things from cell phones to power generators
  • Often work in teams
  • Work with clients
  • Sit for long periods of time
  • Have at least a bachelor's degree
  • May need a license

Career summary

Electrical and electronics engineers design, develop, test, and maintain electrical and electronic devices. Many of these devices create power, help people talk to one another, or provide lighting for buildings.

#check 3/14/19 lh

Engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) systems and engineering software to design devices and equipment. They factor in safety, environmental impact, and energy usage. They calculate costs and select materials that follow manufacturing standards.

Engineers work with a team to build systems and products they have designed. They oversee and make sure workers build the product correctly. During construction, engineers identify problems and solve them.  They plan the layout of equipment and lines. They make sure products meet specifications, safety standards, and codes.

After construction, engineers test equipment and provide ongoing maintenance if needed. They also evaluate devices and systems already in use and make recommendations for repair or redesign.

Electrical engineers design electrical equipment such as:

Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment such as:

Sometimes engineers design small components for large systems, such as power inverters for solar energy systems.

Some electrical and electronics engineers work for green technology companies where they may develop products that use less power. For example, in the car industry electrical engineers build efficient parts for electric cars.

Related careers

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

Military careers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to electrical and electronics engineers.

Common work activities

Electrical and electronics engineers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, electrical and electronics engineers:

Interpersonal relationships

Physical work conditions

Work performance

Hours/travel

Physical demands

Electrical and electronics engineers frequently:

It is important for electrical and electronics engineers to be able to:

It is not as important, but still necessary, for electrical and electronics engineers to be able to:

Skills and abilities

Electrical and electronics engineers need to:

Communicate

Reason and problem solve

Use math and science

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

Work with people

Work with things

Perceive and visualize

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

Other programs of study to consider

Training

To work as an electrical or electronics engineer, you typically need to:

Education after high school

Most students prepare for this field by earning a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. Many four-year colleges and universities offer this program of study. You may need between four and five years to complete this program.

You need a bachelor's degree in some specialty of electrical engineering for entry-level work in this occupation. Since this field is so broad, electrical and electronics engineers often earn a master's degree in their area of specialty. A few specialties include computer architecture, communications systems, and digital electronics. Research and teaching positions require a master's degree or higher.

In a typical four-year program, courses include math, basic science, introductory engineering, and social science. Courses may also include circuit design, digital systems, and electromagnetic theory. You also study engineering materials and system modeling.

Work experience

You should consider participating in an internship with an engineering firm while you are in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

On-the-job training

New graduates work under the guidance of experienced engineers. In large companies, you may also receive formal classroom training. You receive greater independence and work on more difficult tasks as you gain knowledge and experience. In general, you receive up to one year of on-the-job training.

Military training

The military does not provide initial training in this field. However, the military may provide work experience to electrical and electronics engineering graduates.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum (external link) may be different from your state's graduation requirements (external link). Engineers use math and science frequently. Try to take math classes through Trigonometry and science classes through Physics.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups (PDF file) that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers look for electrical and electronics engineers who have at least a bachelor's degree. They look for engineers who are licensed. They also look for employees who have strong problem-solving skills. Employers prefer engineers who can communicate clearly with others and who can oversee large, complicated projects.

Engineers with a solid background in electronics, computers, and the principles of engineering and drafting are also sought by employers. Graduate training is preferred for some positions and is essential for research and development work and for teaching jobs.

Licensing is more important for experienced workers than for entry-level workers.

Tips

It is important for workers to keep up with the rapid changes in technology that occur in many electrical engineering specialties. Math and science skills will always be important in this occupation. Classes in technical writing are helpful. Participation in a cooperative program where one works with engineers during the summer provides a good background for students. Tour companies that employ electrical engineers and attend job fairs. Enroll in an internship program to get some insight into real world engineering problems. Talk with workers about their jobs. Recreational computer use and electronics-based hobbies also provide useful experience.

Costs to workers

Some workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

Licensing/certification

Engineers employed in responsible positions in government or in firms offering services to the public, or who stamp their work as being done by an engineer, must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing.

Getting a license as an engineer-in-training requires:

Professional engineer licensing requirements include:

Engineers who want to be licensed must pay an exam fee to the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors and a $65 fee for the initial state exam application. The state licence renewal fee is $116 every two years. Not all engineers must be licensed.

For information on testing, contact:

National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (external link)
PO Box 1686
Clemson, SC 29633-1686
800.250.3196

For licensing information, contact:

Washington State Department of Licensing
Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and
Land Surveyors Licensing Program (external link)

PO Box 9025
Olympia, WA 98507-9025
360.664.1575

#checked 3/30/09 lh. Verified info 3/22/10, cj. Checked Info & updated fees 3/27/12 cj. Checked section; updated NCEES fee for PE exam to $350 & state renewal to $116, 3/4/14 cj. No change to licensing info 4/5/16 cj. Couldn't find Engineer-in-Training $30 licensing fee so deleted it, rest of licensing info same, 3/26/18 cj. modified test fee statement 3/14/19

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website (external link).

Wages

Electrical engineers (SOC 17-2071)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $32.13 $41.70 $53.71 $65.52 $79.23
Monthly $5,568 $7,227 $9,308 $11,355 $13,731
Yearly $66,820 $86,730 $111,730 $136,290 $164,790
    Bellingham Hourly $33.72 $39.85 $52.13 $61.49 $72.62
Monthly $5,844 $6,906 $9,034 $10,656 $12,585
Yearly $70,135 $82,900 $108,437 $127,904 $151,047
    Bremerton-Silverdale Hourly $28.52 $32.47 $42.81 $50.60 $60.17
Monthly $4,943 $5,627 $7,419 $8,769 $10,427
Yearly $59,327 $67,531 $89,054 $105,248 $125,147
    Clarkston-Lewiston Hourly $34.30 $44.94 $58.66 $69.56 $76.64
Monthly $5,944 $7,788 $10,166 $12,055 $13,282
Yearly $71,333 $93,479 $122,025 $144,679 $159,422
    Kennewick-Richland Hourly $34.54 $43.43 $54.07 $63.20 $76.87
Monthly $5,986 $7,526 $9,370 $10,953 $13,322
Yearly $71,838 $90,343 $112,445 $131,455 $159,890
    Longview Hourly $34.19 $38.65 $46.54 $56.43 $65.99
Monthly $5,925 $6,698 $8,065 $9,779 $11,436
Yearly $71,098 $80,386 $96,793 $117,371 $137,252
    Mount Vernon-Anacortes Hourly $28.67 $32.96 $43.68 $49.94 $62.37
Monthly $4,969 $5,712 $7,570 $8,655 $10,809
Yearly $59,637 $68,559 $90,849 $103,892 $129,723
    Olympia-Tumwater Hourly $31.97 $36.14 $47.39 $65.36 $80.54
Monthly $5,540 $6,263 $8,213 $11,327 $13,958
Yearly $66,496 $75,167 $98,570 $135,942 $167,529
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $33.68 $43.81 $56.75 $70.65 $82.58
Monthly $5,837 $7,592 $9,835 $12,244 $14,311
Yearly $70,049 $91,117 $118,039 $146,945 $171,775
    Spokane-Spokane Valley Hourly $28.27 $33.94 $42.44 $53.02 $61.94
Monthly $4,899 $5,882 $7,355 $9,188 $10,734
Yearly $58,810 $70,604 $88,270 $110,286 $128,830
    Vancouver Hourly $28.98 $35.99 $44.65 $54.25 $62.61
Monthly $5,022 $6,237 $7,738 $9,402 $10,850
Yearly $60,259 $74,843 $92,872 $112,842 $130,241
    Walla Walla Hourly $34.47 $41.87 $46.66 $55.49 $61.83
Monthly $5,974 $7,256 $8,086 $9,616 $10,715
Yearly $71,707 $87,087 $97,042 $115,411 $128,595
    Yakima Hourly $21.82 $25.00 $35.03 $64.22 $78.46
Monthly $3,781 $4,333 $6,071 $11,129 $13,597
Yearly $45,386 $51,995 $72,868 $133,583 $163,199
United States Hourly $29.42 $36.26 $46.46 $59.21 $73.67
Monthly $5,098 $6,284 $8,052 $10,261 $12,767
Yearly $61,190 $75,430 $96,640 $123,160 $153,240

Electronics engineers, except computer (SOC 17-2072)

Location
Pay Period
10%
25%
Median
75%
90%
Washington Hourly $18.60 $36.30 $51.40 $65.19 $79.91
Monthly $3,223 $6,291 $8,908 $11,297 $13,848
Yearly $38,690 $75,510 $106,910 $135,590 $166,200
    Bellingham Hourly $39.56 $42.99 $48.33 $59.41 $69.28
Monthly $6,856 $7,450 $8,376 $10,296 $12,006
Yearly $82,285 $89,408 $100,510 $123,565 $144,101
    Bremerton-Silverdale Hourly $33.99 $42.81 $47.07 $50.90 $60.16
Monthly $5,890 $7,419 $8,157 $8,821 $10,426
Yearly $70,709 $89,060 $97,890 $105,881 $125,136
    Kennewick-Richland Hourly $32.99 $35.16 $38.35 $49.14 $63.41
Monthly $5,717 $6,093 $6,646 $8,516 $10,989
Yearly $68,639 $73,136 $79,770 $102,203 $131,873
    Longview Hourly $33.39 $36.13 $40.42 $56.51 $62.39
Monthly $5,786 $6,261 $7,005 $9,793 $10,812
Yearly $69,457 $75,146 $84,079 $117,543 $129,770
    Olympia-Tumwater Hourly $33.53 $35.75 $45.11 $56.73 $70.65
Monthly $5,811 $6,195 $7,818 $9,831 $12,244
Yearly $69,754 $74,370 $93,830 $117,996 $146,952
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Hourly $37.95 $47.64 $59.79 $74.31 $89.79
Monthly $6,577 $8,256 $10,362 $12,878 $15,561
Yearly $78,927 $99,073 $124,371 $154,558 $186,760
    Spokane-Spokane Valley Hourly $36.42 $42.47 $46.83 $54.25 $62.96
Monthly $6,312 $7,360 $8,116 $9,402 $10,911
Yearly $75,769 $88,323 $97,407 $112,843 $130,956
    Vancouver Hourly $25.87 $33.47 $39.96 $49.31 $65.85
Monthly $4,483 $5,800 $6,925 $8,545 $11,412
Yearly $53,805 $69,619 $83,133 $102,565 $136,962
    Yakima Hourly $37.21 $42.13 $46.22 $49.66 $56.17
Monthly $6,448 $7,301 $8,010 $8,606 $9,734
Yearly $77,400 $87,639 $96,142 $103,282 $116,837
United States Hourly $31.17 $38.29 $49.37 $62.57 $77.98
Monthly $5,402 $6,636 $8,556 $10,843 $13,514
Yearly $64,840 $79,640 $102,700 $130,150 $162,200

Most electrical and electronics engineers work for companies that offer benefits. These benefits may include paid holidays and vacations, sick leave, health insurance, and a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

 

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

Electrical Engineers (SOC 17-2071)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 5,976 7.8% 16.1% 483
    Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties 136 10.3% 13.4% 11
    Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties 96 9.4% 8.6% 8
    Benton and Franklin Counties 295 7.1% 15.0% 23
    Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties 186 9.7% 11.9% 16
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 361 6.4% 15.2% 28
    Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties 75 13.3% 14.1% 7
    Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties 155 16.8% 14.6% 15
    King County 2,472 10.5% 19.6% 215
    Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties 27 0.0% 13.8% 2
    Pierce County 300 12.7% 15.2% 27
    Snohomish County 1,377 -0.8% 12.4% 83
    Spokane County 235 7.7% 13.9% 19
United States 191,900 4.8% 5.2% 13,900

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer (SOC 17-2072)

Location Current employment Growth over 10 years Annual openings
This
occupation
All
occupations
Washington 3,561 6.9% 16.1% 279
    Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties 10 10.0% 13.4% 1
    Benton and Franklin Counties 46 0.0% 15.0% 3
    Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties 135 3.7% 11.9% 9
    Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties 626 15.0% 15.2% 61
    Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties 26 11.5% 14.1% 2
    Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties 141 19.1% 14.6% 15
    King County 1,456 7.2% 19.6% 116
    Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties 29 0.0% 13.8% 2
    Pierce County 84 9.5% 15.2% 7
    Snohomish County 778 0.3% 12.4% 48
    Spokane County 53 7.5% 13.9% 4
United States 138,500 -0.9% 5.2% 9,000

National employment

Major employers:

National outlook

This occupation is expected to experience slower than average growth. Most manufacturing industries are currently experiencing slow growth or are declining. Technological innovation will likely increase the demand for electrical and electronics engineers in research and development. The most growth is projected to occur largely in engineering services firms.

Other resources

American Association for the Advancement of Science (external link)
1200 New York Ave, NW
Washington,DC20005
American Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) (external link)
(This website provides a list of engineering-related programs accredited by ABET)
415 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410.347.7700
American Public Power Association (external link)
2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 1000
Arlington, VA 22202
202.467.2900
Association for Computing Machinery (external link)
1601 Broadway, 10th Floor1
New York, NY 10019-7434
800.342.6626
212.626.0500
Careers in Space: A Universe of Options (external link)
Consumer Technology Association (external link)
1919 South Eads Street
Arlington, VA 22202
703.907.7600
Discover Engineering (external link)
eGFI - Dream Up the Future (external link)
Electric League of the Pacific Northwest (external link)
PO Box 50633
Bellevue, WA 98015
425.646.4727
Engineer Girl! (external link)
National Academy of Engineering
Engineering & Science Career Videos (external link)
Engineering Your Future (external link)
IEEE Computer Society (external link)
2001 L Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
202.371.0101
iNARTE - International Association for Radio, Telecommunications, and Electromagnetics (external link)
PO Box 602
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0602
888.722.2440
Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engingeers (external link)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (external link)
3 Park Avenue, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10016
212.419.7900
MCMA: Motion Control and Motor Association (external link)
900 Victors Way, Suite 140
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
734.494.6088
National Academy of Engineering (external link)
500 Fifth Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.334.3200
National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (external link)
Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (external link)
673 South Milpitas Blvd.
Milpitas, CA 95035
408.943.6900
Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (external link)
3600 Market Street, 6th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215.382.9800
Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (external link)
140 Phillips Road
Exton, PA 19341
800.542.5040
610.363.6888
Society of Women Engineers (external link)
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
877.793.4636
Technology Student Association (external link)
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010
Washington Society of Professional Engineers (external link)
Washington State Science & Engineering Fair (external link)
World Energy Council (external link)

References

Career cluster

Career path

O*Net (external link) occupations

O*Net job zone (external link)

DOT occupations

Strong Interest Inventory

Holland occupational clusters

COPSystem