Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become an Electrical or Electronics Engineer Becoming an electrical or electronics engineer involves the study of math and engineering. Electrical and electronics engineers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in a related engineering field. Employers also value practical experience, such as internships or participation in cooperative engineering programs.
Education
High school students interested in studying electrical or electronics engineering benefit from taking courses in physics and math, including algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. Other courses, such as those in engineering, digital electronics, and drafting and design may also be helpful. Electrical and electronics engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or a related engineering field. Programs include classroom, laboratory, and field studies. Courses include digital systems design, calculus, and electrical circuit theory. Students also may choose to participate in cooperative education programs or internships. Through partnerships with local businesses, these programs allow students to gain practical experience while they complete their education. Some employers may prefer to hire workers with a master’s degree.
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
Licensure is not required for entry-level electrical and electronics engineer positions. Experienced engineers may obtain a Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows them to oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure typically requires a bachelor’s or higher degree in engineering, a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, several years of relevant work experience, and a passing score on the PE exam. Each state issues its own licenses. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as the licensing state’s requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements. Several states require continuing education for engineers to keep their licenses. Information on state licensing board requirements is available from CareerOneStop. Advancement Electrical and electronics engineers may advance to supervisory or management positions in which they lead a team of engineers and technicians. For more information, see the profile on architectural and engineering managers.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Overall employment of electrical and electronics engineers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 16,300 openings for electrical and electronics engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment Employment growth is expected as companies increasingly utilize the expertise of engineers for projects involving electrical and electronic devices, systems, and infrastructure. These engineers are expected to have key roles in developing sophisticated consumer electronics, solar arrays, semiconductors, and communications technologies. Electrical and Electronics Engineers Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Electrical engineers 10% Engineers 8% Electrical and electronics engineers 8% Electronics engineers, except computer 4% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Electrical and Electronics Engineers Do
Electrical and electronics engineers design, develop, and test electrical and electronic equipment, components, and systems.
Duties
Electrical and electronics engineers typically do the following:
- Design and develop electrical and electronic devices, products, and systems
- Determine product or system requirements
- Use engineering or design software or equipment to create models, diagrams, and layouts
- Inspect and test reliability and safety of electrical and electronic devices, products, and systems
- Supervise the manufacturing or construction of products or systems
- Prepare documentation covering product or system requirements and maintenance
- Evaluate systems and recommend design modifications or equipment repair
Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical systems and equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, or power generation equipment. Electrical engineers also design the electrical systems of automobiles and aircraft.
Electronics engineers design and develop the components and circuitry of electronic products. They may supervise the manufacturing and testing of these electronic products, such as audio-visual equipment or radar and sonar systems.
The work of electrical engineers and electronics engineers is often similar, and they frequently work together and with other types of engineers on projects. Some may specialize in a specific area of electrical or electronics engineering, such as electric power, radio communications, or control systems.
Engineers who focus primarily on computers or computer-related equipment are covered in the profile for computer hardware engineers.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Electrical engineers held about 199,700 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of electrical engineers were as follows:
| Engineering services | 22% |
| Electric power generation, transmission and distribution | 10 |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 5 |
| Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing | 5 |
| Aerospace product and parts manufacturing | 5 |
Electronics engineers, except computer held about 98,200 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of electronics engineers, except computer were as follows:
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 15% |
| Telecommunications | 14 |
| Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing | 14 |
| Engineering services | 7 |
| Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing | 7 |
Electrical and electronics engineers generally work in an office setting. Travel may be required, such as visiting project sites to observe a problem or a piece of complex equipment.
Work Schedules
Most electrical and electronics engineers work full time.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Computer skills. Electrical and electronics engineers use computer-aided design software to perform engineering tasks. Electrical and electronics engineers also need a working knowledge of programming languages. Initiative. Electrical and electronics engineers must apply their knowledge to new tasks in every project they undertake. In addition, they must engage in continuing education to keep up with changes in technology. Interpersonal skills. Electrical and electronics engineers must work with others to ensure that their plans are implemented correctly. This collaboration includes monitoring technicians and devising remedies to problems as they arise. Math skills. Electrical and electronics engineers must use the principles of calculus and other advanced math in order to analyze, design, and troubleshoot equipment. Problem-solving skills. Electrical and electronics engineers must troubleshoot issues that arise in designing products and systems and devise safe and efficient solutions. Project management skills. Electrical and electronics engineers coordinate project schedules and work processes with other departments and contractors. They also must monitor project costs and resources. Communication skills. Electrical and electronics engineers must be able to convey complex information, both orally and in writing, to technical and nontechnical audiences.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about electrical and electronics engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Explore pathway →Hear From ED
Use the guided career counseling experience to connect this career to your goals, skills and education preferences.
Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.