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Electrical and Electronics Engineers

SOC: 17-2070 • Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics & O*NET

What They Do

Electrical and Electronics Engineers 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 • Review existing electrical engineering criteria to identify necessary revisions, deletions, or amendments to outdated material.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: $118,780
Employment: 287,900
Growth (2024–2034): +7.0%
Education: Bachelor's degree

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

7.2/10
Good 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.

O*NET Official Logo Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor

Top Skills

Computer skills Initiative Interpersonal skills Math skills Problem-solving skills Project management skills Communication skills

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 140,310
  • Texas 75,650
  • Florida 43,400
  • New York 34,170
  • Washington 34,150
  • Colorado 33,920
  • Massachusetts 30,630
  • Pennsylvania 28,490
  • Virginia 26,970
  • Ohio 26,570
BLS OEWS data (2024-05)

Regional Wage Variations

  • California +18%
    $140,134
  • Texas -9%
    $107,709
  • Florida -11%
    $105,299
  • New York -8%
    $109,451
  • Washington +8%
    $127,854
  • Massachusetts 4%
    $123,490
  • Pennsylvania -16%
    $100,268
  • Virginia -5%
    $112,800
  • Ohio -10%
    $106,815
  • Michigan -16%
    $99,282
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
Aerospace product and parts manufacturing
85%
Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences
70%
Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing
55%
Regional Job Market Outlook
Strong
West Coast
Stable
Northeast
Growing
South