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What is an Electrical Engineer?

Electrical Engineer Job Description Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

Life As an Electrical Engineer: What Do They Do?

  • Prepare specifications for purchases of materials or equipment.
  • Collect data relating to commercial or residential development, population, or power system interconnection to determine operating efficiency of electrical systems.
  • Confer with engineers, customers, or others to discuss existing or potential engineering projects or products.
  • Direct or coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, or testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, or customer requirements.
  • Assist in developing capital project programs for new equipment or major repairs.
  • Plan or implement research methodology or procedures to apply principles of electrical theory to engineering projects.

Skills Needed to be an Electrical Engineer

Below is a list of the skills most Electrical Engineers say are important on the job.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Types of Electrical Engineer Jobs

  • Division Engineer
  • Line Construction Engineer
  • Circuits Engineer
  • Engineer of System Development
  • Wire Communications Engineer

Electrical Engineer Job Outlook

There were about 188,300 jobs for Electrical Engineer in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 16,200 new jobs for Electrical Engineer by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 13,900 job openings in this field each year.

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The states with the most job growth for Electrical Engineer are Nevada, Utah, and Wisconsin. Watch out if you plan on working in Kentucky, Alaska, or New Mexico. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Salary for an Electrical Engineer

The typical yearly salary for Electrical Engineers is somewhere between $61,190 and $153,240.

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Electrical Engineers who work in District of Columbia, Massachusetts, or New Mexico, make the highest salaries.

How much do Electrical Engineers make in different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $97,310
Alaska $119,130
Arizona $106,260
Arkansas $82,200
California $114,170
Colorado $100,550
Connecticut $98,310
Delaware $108,900
District of Columbia $118,000
Florida $94,250
Georgia $87,850
Hawaii $89,720
Idaho $93,080
Illinois $94,700
Indiana $86,100
Iowa $87,700
Kansas $90,880
Kentucky $89,780
Louisiana $94,090
Maine $89,860
Maryland $116,560
Massachusetts $113,920
Michigan $90,700
Minnesota $98,120
Mississippi $93,740
Missouri $97,750
Montana $92,120
Nebraska $90,180
Nevada $92,540
New Hampshire $107,790
New Jersey $118,120
New Mexico $113,050
New York $103,740
North Carolina $97,490
North Dakota $89,680
Ohio $85,320
Oklahoma $98,950
Oregon $90,140
Pennsylvania $94,870
Rhode Island $110,360
South Carolina $90,140
South Dakota $84,710
Tennessee $93,180
Texas $106,260
Utah $94,200
Vermont $115,460
Virginia $109,690
Washington $113,540
West Virginia $88,640
Wisconsin $86,020
Wyoming $92,960

Tools & Technologies Used by Electrical Engineers

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Electrical Engineers:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Python
  • Data entry software
  • SAP
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Project
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Microsoft Visio
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • Linux
  • IBM Notes
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • UNIX
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Computer aided design CAD software
  • Minitab
  • National Instruments LabVIEW

How to Become an Electrical Engineer

What education is needed to be an Electrical Engineer?

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What work experience do I need to become an Electrical Engineer?

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Where Electrical Engineers Work

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Electrical Engineers work in the following industries:

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Similar Careers

Those thinking about becoming an Electrical Engineer might also be interested in the following careers:

Career changers with experience as an Electrical Engineer sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

References:

Image Credit: NASA via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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