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.
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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.
Related Job Titles
- 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.
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.
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.
What work experience do I need to become an Electrical Engineer?
Electrical Engineers Sector
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
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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