Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

SOC: 17-3023 • Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics & O*NET

What They Do

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians typically perform the following tasks:

• Modify, maintain, or repair electronics equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
• Replace defective components or parts, using hand tools and precision instruments.
• Set up and operate specialized or standard test equipment to diagnose, test, or analyze the performance of electronic components, assemblies, or systems.
• Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components.
• Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions, working with manufacturers or field representatives as necessary to procure replacement parts.
• Assemble electrical systems or prototypes, using hand tools or measuring instruments.
• Review electrical engineering plans to ensure adherence to design specifications and compliance with applicable electrical codes and standards.
• Assemble, test, or maintain circuitry or electronic components, according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, or knowledge of electronics, using hand or power tools.
• Review existing electrical engineering criteria to identify necessary revisions, deletions, or amendments to outdated material.
• Maintain system logs or manuals to document testing or operation of equipment.
• Select electronics equipment, components, or systems to meet functional specifications.
• Calculate design specifications or cost, material, and resource estimates, and prepare project schedules and budgets.
• Educate equipment operators on the proper use of equipment.
• Supervise the installation or operation of electronic equipment or systems.
• Compile and maintain records documenting engineering schematics, installed equipment, installation or operational problems, resources used, repairs, or corrective action performed.
• Modify electrical prototypes, parts, assemblies, or systems to correct functional deviations.
• Integrate software or hardware components, using computer, microprocessor, or control architecture.
• Procure parts and maintain inventory and related documentation.
• Participate in training or continuing education activities to stay abreast of engineering or industry advances.
• Research equipment or component needs, sources, competitive prices, delivery times, or ongoing operational costs.

Career Video

Video from CareerOneStop, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor

Key facts

Median: $77,180

Employment: 93,700

Growth (2024–2034): +1.0%

Education: Associate's degree

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Career Intelligence Metrics

Automation Risk Assessment

Low Risk

17.0% probability of being automated in the next 10-20 years. This job is relatively safe from automation due to its creative, social, or complex problem-solving requirements.

Work-Life Balance Score

8.6/10

Excellent work-life balance based on typical work schedules, stress levels, and time demands.

Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)

8.2

Realistic

8.8

Investigative

6.4

Artistic

5.2

Social

5.8

Enterprising

6.6

Conventional

Powered by O*NET Career Profiling

Personality Match: The higher the score (out of 10), the better this career matches that personality type. People with similar interests and work styles tend to be most satisfied in careers that match their personality profile.

Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor

Top Skills

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Strengths

High Demand
Flexible Work
Continuous Learning

Challenges

Burnout Risk
Rapid Technological Change

Median Salary Comparison

Employment projection (2024–2034)

Geographic Employment & Wage Analysis

BLS OEWS Data Updated 2024-05

View Interactive BLS Maps

States with Highest Employment

California 12,460
Texas 8,160
Florida 5,240
New York 4,270
Virginia 4,030
Massachusetts 3,950
Pennsylvania 3,610
Michigan 2,510
Washington 2,390
Arizona 2,360

BLS OEWS data (2024-05)

Regional Wage Variations

California +10%
$84,530
Texas -10%
$69,720
Florida -14%
$66,630
New York 0%
$77,550
Virginia +10%
$84,530
Massachusetts 2%
$78,660
Pennsylvania -13%
$67,200
Michigan -10%
$69,310
Washington +10%
$84,530
Arizona 2%
$78,760

BLS OEWS state wage data

Top Metropolitan Areas

New York-Newark-Jersey City

Employment: High Growth: +3.2%

Los Angeles-Long Beach

Employment: High Growth: +2.8%

Chicago-Naperville-Elgin

Employment: Medium Growth: +1.5%

Dallas-Fort Worth

Employment: Medium Growth: +4.1%

San Francisco-Oakland

Employment: High Growth: +2.3%

Based on BLS metropolitan area data

Industries with Highest Concentrations

Utilities

85%

Federal government

70%

Engineering services

55%

Regional Job Market Outlook

Strong

West Coast

Stable

Northeast

Growing

South