Electrical Engineers
O*NET 17-2071.00 · SOC 17-2071
Electrical Engineer is a strong career choice. Median pay is $121k a year with +9.9% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 11,400 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Design electrical systems, circuits, and components
- →Test prototypes and electronic equipment
- →Develop power distribution and control systems
- →Write technical specifications and documentation
- →Ensure compliance with electrical codes and standards
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Electrical Engineer roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Electrical Engineer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Electrical Engineer?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Electrical Engineer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Electrical Engineers is projected to grow 9.9% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·25% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
- ·32% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Electrical Engineer make?
The median Electrical Engineer earns $121k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Electrical Engineer jobs?
Our model puts Electrical Engineer at 37 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 25% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace; 32% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Electrical Engineer a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 9.9% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 11,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Electrical Engineer?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Electrical Engineer roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become an Electrical Engineer?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Electrical Engineer career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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