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Electrical Engineer

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Life As an Electrical Engineer

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

A Day in the Life of an Electrical Engineer

  • Design, implement, maintain, or improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, or domestic purposes.
  • Conduct field surveys or study maps, graphs, diagrams, or other data to identify and correct power system problems.
  • Design electrical systems or components that minimize electric energy requirements, such as lighting systems designed to account for natural lighting.
  • Oversee project production efforts to assure projects are completed on time and within budget.
  • Prepare technical drawings, specifications of electrical systems, or topographical maps to ensure that installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements.
  • Perform detailed calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction, or installation standards or specifications.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as an Electrical Engineer?

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.

  • Electrical Controls Engineer
  • Meter Engineer
  • Results Engineer
  • Electrical Design Engineer
  • Electrical Project 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. There will be an estimated 13,900 positions for Electrical Engineer per 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.

What is the Average Salary of an Electrical Engineer

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

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

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Electrical Engineers 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 do I Become an Electrical Engineer?

Learn what Electrical Engineer education requirements there are.

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

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Electrical Engineers Sector

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

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Other Jobs You May be Interested In

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.

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