Life As an Electrical Engineer
Example of Electrical Engineer Job 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?
- Supervise or train project team members as necessary.
- Oversee project production efforts to assure projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Integrate electrical systems with renewable energy systems to improve overall efficiency.
- Prepare technical drawings, specifications of electrical systems, or topographical maps to ensure that installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements.
- Investigate or test vendors' or competitors' products.
- Conduct field surveys or study maps, graphs, diagrams, or other data to identify and correct power system problems.
Featured schools near , edit
Things an Electrical Engineer Should Know How to Do
When polled, Electrical Engineers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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
- Design Engineer
- Electrical Designer
- Field Engineer
- Facilities Engineer
- Hydroelectric Plant Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineer Job Outlook
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 188,300 jobs in the United States for Electrical Engineer. 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. The BLS estimates 13,900 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Electrical Engineer Average Salary
Electrical Engineers make between $61,190 and $153,240 a year.

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 |
What Tools & Technology do Electrical Engineers Use?
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
Individuals working as an Electrical Engineer have obtained the following education levels:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Electrical Engineers Are Employed

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Similar Careers
Those interested in being an Electrical Engineer may also be interested in:
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.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |