Electrician
Install, maintain and repair electrical wiring, panels and equipment safely to code.
- $63,190
- 4–5 years (paid apprenticeship)
Science, Engineering & Lab career
Electrical Engineer
Also called: Power Engineer · Controls Engineer · Electronics Engineer · Design Engineer
What electrical engineers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an electrical engineer do?
Electrical engineers design, develop, test and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment, from power grids and motors to electronics and control systems. The median pay is $120,630 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4 years, and employment is projected to grow +9.9% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$120,630$58.00/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+9.9%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year11,400Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs199,700Employment, 2025
What electrical engineers do
Electrical engineers design the systems that power and control everything. They design power distribution for buildings and grids, develop electronics and circuit boards, design control systems and motors, work on renewable energy and batteries, test equipment and supervise installation.
Electrical engineers need a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. A PE license is important for power and building systems work. Grid modernization, renewables and electric vehicles support faster-than-average growth.
Typical duties
- Design electrical systems
- Develop circuits and electronics
- Calculate loads and specify equipment
- Create schematics and drawings
- Test and troubleshoot systems
- Ensure code compliance
- Oversee installation
Work environment and schedule
Electrical engineers work in offices, labs, plants and at project sites.
Schedule: Most work full-time; project deadlines can bring long hours.
A day in the life
- Review a one-line diagram for a substation.
- Calculate short-circuit currents.
- Meet the team on a solar project.
- Review a circuit board layout.
See a full day in the life of an electrical engineer →
Electrical Engineer salary
Half of electrical engineers earned more than $120,630 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $76,550 for the lowest 10% to $184,300 for the top 10%.
Full electrical engineer pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an electrical engineer
- Study math and physics
- Earn an ABET degree
- Do internships
- Pass the FE exam
- Earn a PE
A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering is required; a PE license is needed for many power roles.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an electrical engineer →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Circuit design
- Power systems
- Control systems
- Electrical codes
- Simulation
People skills
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- Teamwork
All electrical engineer skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very high pay
- Faster-than-average growth
- Renewable energy and EVs
- Many specialties
Cons
- Complex, demanding work
- Deadlines
- Safety responsibility
- Continuous learning
Certifications and licenses
- Engineer in Training (EIT): After the FE exam.
- Professional Engineer (PE): State license.
- NFPA 70E: Electrical safety.
- NABCEP: Solar credentials.
Career path
- Engineer I: Design under guidance.
- Electrical Engineer: Own designs.
- Senior or Lead Engineer: Lead projects.
- Engineering Manager: Lead teams.
Learn the job before day one
Our Electrical Engineer training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as do a load calculation and review a schematic, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Substation Technician
Install, test and repair the equipment that controls high-voltage power.
- $103,020
- 1–2 years + experience
Mechatronics Technician
Install and fix automated systems that combine mechanics, electronics and controls.
- $73,900
- 2 years
Electronics Technician
Build, test and troubleshoot electronic circuits and equipment.
- $78,190
- 2 years
Compare: Electrical Engineer vs. Electrician · Electrical Engineer vs. Substation Technician · Electrical Engineer vs. Mechatronics Technician · Electrical Engineer vs. Electronics Technician
Electrical Engineer FAQ
Do electrical engineers need a license?
A PE is needed for many power and building roles.
Is the field growing?
Yes, BLS projects faster-than-average growth.
What specialties exist?
Power, electronics, controls, communications and more.
How much does an electrical engineer make?
The median annual wage for electrical engineers was $120,630 ($58.00 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $76,550 and the highest 10% earned more than $184,300.
How long does it take to become an electrical engineer?
Most people need about 4 years of training. A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering is required; a PE license is needed for many power roles.
Do you need a degree to be an electrical engineer?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
More electrical engineer questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 17-2071 (Electrical engineers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Electrical engineers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.