What Do Electrical Engineer Do?
Job Description & Duties 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
- Perform detailed calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction, or installation standards or specifications.
- Compile data and write reports regarding existing or potential electrical engineering studies or projects.
- Prepare specifications for purchases of materials or equipment.
- Plan or implement research methodology or procedures to apply principles of electrical theory to engineering projects.
- Supervise or train project team members as necessary.
- Direct or coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, or testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, or customer requirements.
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Electrical Engineer Required Skills
These are the skills Electrical Engineers say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Other Electrical Engineer Job Titles
- Induction Coordination Power Engineer
- Induction Coordination Engineer
- Line Construction Engineer
- Electrical Designer
- Illuminating Engineer
Is There Going to be Demand for Electrical Engineers?
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. 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
The salary for Electrical Engineers ranges between about $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 each U.S. state?
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?
What education is needed to be an Electrical Engineer?

How Long Does it Take to Become an Electrical Engineer?

Where Electrical Engineers Work

Below are examples of industries where Electrical Engineers work:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming an Electrical Engineer might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Electrical Engineer in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: NASA via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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