Electrical Engineer

Your Fit

Income

$112K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

4.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Electrical Engineer?

An Electrical Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and supervises the production of electrical systems and equipment such as electric motors, navigation systems, communications systems, or power generation equipment. This role involves applying principles of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism to create products that meet practical needs.

Sample job titles:

Design Engineer, Electrical Design Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Project Engineer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Electrical Engineer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Electrical Engineer earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$75K per year	$88K per year	$112K per year	$142K per year	$175K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $62K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Electrical Engineer do?

Work environment

Electrical Engineers work primarily in office environments but also spend time in labs for testing and in manufacturing facilities for supervising production. They may be employed in various industries, including electronics manufacturing, power generation, telecommunications, and more. The role can involve collaboration with other engineers and professionals and may require adherence to safety regulations, especially when on-site.

Quick task list

Designs and improves electrical products and systems.
Analyzes customer needs and determines the requirements, capacity, and cost for developing electrical systems.
Supervises the manufacturing, installation, and testing of electrical equipment.
Inspects electrical systems and ensures compliance with safety standards and regulations.
Collaborates with project teams and provides technical guidance.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Power Systems Engineering: Working with electricity generation, transmission, and distribution systems.
Control Systems Engineering: Designing systems that control dynamic machinery using electrical signals.
Telecommunications Engineering: Developing systems and equipment for communications, such as wireless networks.
Instrumentation Engineering: Creating devices that measure electrical quantities.
Microelectronics: Designing micro-scale electronic components like semiconductors and integrated circuits.

Description

Electrical Engineering is a dynamic field that combines scientific knowledge with practical application to design and build essential technologies. Electrical Engineers are involved in the entire process of creating electrical systems, from conceptual design to testing. They use their understanding of electrical and electronic theory, coupled with tools like computer-aided design (CAD) software, to develop technologies and solve problems. This includes everything from small circuit boards to large power networks.

This career requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work on complex projects. Electrical Engineers must stay updated with technological advancements and continuously adapt their skills. They often work in teams, which requires good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively.

The field offers a variety of work environments and specializations, making it a versatile career choice. Whether working on renewable energy systems, designing consumer electronics, or improving telecommunication networks, Electrical Engineers play a crucial role in developing technologies that power modern life.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to innovative technologies that impact daily life.
Working on diverse projects in various industries.
Intellectual challenge and continuous learning opportunities.

You might make a good Electrical Engineer if you are...

Fascinated by how electrical devices and systems work.
Proficient in math and physics.
Able to think analytically and solve complex problems.
Interested in technology and keeping up with the latest engineering trends.
Skilled in working collaboratively on projects.

Pros:

Diverse career opportunities across various industries.
High potential for innovation and working on cutting-edge technologies.
Competitive salaries and strong job growth prospects.

Cons:

Requires rigorous education and continuous skill development.
Can involve high-pressure project deadlines.
Some specializations may require working in hazardous conditions or intense manufacturing environments.

How to become an Electrical Engineer

Typical education

Becoming an Electrical Engineer typically requires a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field, which takes about 4 years of post-secondary education. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or additional certifications.

High school preparation

Courses:

Advanced mathematics, including calculus and algebra.
Physics, particularly electricity and magnetism.
Computer Science for programming and understanding digital systems.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining robotics clubs or science clubs.
Participating in science fairs or engineering competitions.
Engaging in DIY electronics projects or coding activities.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or a related field.
Consider internships or cooperative engineering programs for practical experience.
Stay abreast of new technologies through workshops, online courses, or additional certifications.

More resources

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) - Provides resources and networking opportunities for electrical engineers.
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) - Offers information on licensure, ethics, and professional practice for engineers.
Khan Academy Electrical Engineering - Free online courses covering fundamental concepts in electrical engineering.
MIT OpenCourseWare - Electrical Engineering and Computer Science - Offers free lecture notes, exams, and videos from MIT.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.