What does an electrical engineer do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Electrical and electronics engineers design, develop and test electrical and electronic equipment, components and systems. A bachelor's degree is the typical minimum. BLS reports a median pay of $125,040 per year (May 2025). Figures are from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 17-2070 |
| O*NET code | 17-2071.00, 17-2072.00 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree |
| Median annual wage | $125,040 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 8 percent (much faster than average), 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 297,900 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does an electrical engineer do?
BLS says electrical and electronics engineers design and develop electrical and electronic devices and systems, determine product or system requirements, use engineering or design software to create models and layouts, inspect and test reliability and safety, supervise manufacturing or construction, prepare requirements and maintenance documentation, and evaluate systems and recommend design changes or repairs.
Work environment
They generally work in an office setting, with travel possible, and most work full time. Engineering services employ 22 percent of electrical engineers, electric power 10 percent and computer and electronic product manufacturing 10 percent.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says at least a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering or a related field is needed, and internships and co-op programs are valued. A license is not required for entry-level positions. Experienced engineers may earn a Professional Engineering (PE) license, which requires the FE and PE exams plus relevant work experience, and rules vary by state.
Skills that matter
BLS lists computer skills, initiative, interpersonal skills, math skills, problem-solving, project management and communication as important qualities for this work.
How much does an electrical engineer make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $125,040 for electrical and electronics engineers (May 2025). The median is the wage at which half of workers earned more and half earned less. See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of electrical and electronics engineers to grow 8 percent from 2025 to 2035, which BLS labels much faster than average. For comparison, BLS projects 3 percent growth for all occupations over the same period. About 16,300 openings are projected each year on average. BLS says most openings come from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force, for example to retire.
How to get hired
- Look for internships or co-ops, and plan the FE exam if you may pursue a PE license.
- Show results on your resume: the tools you used, the volume you handled and the outcomes, without private customer or employer details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Mechanical engineers, Civil engineers, Electricians, Network and computer systems administrators, Industrial engineers.
Frequently asked questions
Do electrical engineers need a PE license? BLS says a license is not required for entry-level positions, but experienced engineers may earn a PE license, which requires the FE and PE exams plus work experience.
What degree do electrical engineers need? BLS says at least a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering or a related field.
How much do electrical and electronics engineers make? BLS reports a median annual wage of $125,040 for electrical and electronics engineers (May 2025). Half of workers earned more and half earned less. Pay varies by employer, region and experience.
Is electrical engineer a good career? BLS projects 8 percent growth from 2025 to 2035 (much faster than average). About 16,300 openings are projected each year. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, so read the duties and work environment above.
Related guides
- Mechanical Engineer: Duties, Pay, Education, Outlook
- Civil Engineer: Duties, Pay, Education, Outlook
- What Does an Electrician Do? Duties, Pay, Outlook
- What Does a Network Administrator Do? Pay and Outlook
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Electrical and electronics engineers: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineers.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 17-2071.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-2071.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 17-2072.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-2072.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.