Life As an Electronics Engineer
Electronics Engineer Definition Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.
What Do Electronics Engineers Do On a Daily Basis?
- Prepare documentation containing information such as confidential descriptions or specifications of proprietary hardware or software, product development or introduction schedules, product costs, or information about product performance weaknesses.
- Analyze electronics system requirements, capacity, cost, or customer needs to determine project feasibility.
- Confer with engineers, customers, vendors, or others to discuss existing or potential electronics engineering projects or products.
- Plan or develop applications or modifications for electronic properties used in components, products, or systems to improve technical performance.
- Design electronic components, software, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, medical, military, or scientific applications.
- Provide technical support or instruction to staff or customers regarding electronics equipment standards.
Featured schools near , edit
What Every Electronics Engineer Should Know
Electronics Engineers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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.
Systems Analysis: Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Related Job Titles
- Customer Equipment Engineer
- Automotive Power Electronics Engineer
- Microwave Supervisor
- Microwave Engineer
- Electronics Design Engineer
Is There Job Demand for Electronics Engineers?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 136,300 jobs in the United States for Electronics Engineer. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 3.7% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,000 new jobs for Electronics Engineer by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 9,200 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Electronics Engineer are Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Kansas, Vermont, or Montana. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for an Electronics Engineer
The average yearly salary of an Electronics Engineer ranges between $64,840 and $162,200.

Electronics Engineers who work in District of Columbia, Rhode Island, or Maryland, make the highest salaries.
How much do Electronics Engineers make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $108,980 |
Alaska | $93,420 |
Arizona | $103,510 |
Arkansas | $79,520 |
California | $123,540 |
Colorado | $105,560 |
Connecticut | $106,770 |
District of Columbia | $130,630 |
Florida | $95,780 |
Georgia | $95,840 |
Hawaii | $102,550 |
Illinois | $98,010 |
Indiana | $91,010 |
Iowa | $76,900 |
Kansas | $89,110 |
Kentucky | $81,350 |
Louisiana | $88,210 |
Maine | $103,160 |
Maryland | $119,880 |
Massachusetts | $120,700 |
Michigan | $90,230 |
Minnesota | $97,120 |
Mississippi | $87,440 |
Missouri | $100,050 |
Montana | $84,660 |
Nebraska | $84,810 |
Nevada | $93,850 |
New Hampshire | $112,750 |
New Jersey | $113,560 |
New Mexico | $115,420 |
New York | $98,150 |
North Carolina | $97,070 |
North Dakota | $93,920 |
Ohio | $95,250 |
Oklahoma | $89,770 |
Oregon | $94,520 |
Pennsylvania | $98,130 |
Rhode Island | $119,290 |
South Carolina | $92,720 |
South Dakota | $79,630 |
Tennessee | $97,110 |
Texas | $119,260 |
Utah | $90,810 |
Vermont | $106,150 |
Virginia | $114,990 |
Washington | $106,700 |
West Virginia | $79,360 |
Wisconsin | $76,790 |
Wyoming | $86,050 |
What Tools do Electronics Engineers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Electronics Engineers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Python
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Structured query language SQL
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Linux
- Extensible markup language XML
- UNIX
- National Instruments LabVIEW
- C
- Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS
- Graphics software
- Trimble SketchUp Pro
- Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
Becoming an Electronics Engineer
What education or degrees do I need to become an Electronics Engineer?

How Long Does it Take to Become an Electronics Engineer?

Where Electronics Engineers Are Employed

Below are examples of industries where Electronics Engineers work:

Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming an Electronics Engineer might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as an Electronics Engineer sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
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 > |