Electrical Engineer
Design power systems, electronics and controls that run modern life.
- $120,630
- 4 years
Science, Engineering & Lab career
Electronics Engineer
Also called: Hardware Engineer · Circuit Design Engineer · RF Engineer · Embedded Hardware Engineer
What electronics 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 electronics engineer do?
Electronics engineers, except computer, design and develop electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military or scientific use. The median pay is $130,220 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4-year engineering degree, and employment is projected to grow +3.7% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$130,220$62.60/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+3.7%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year4,900Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationBachelor's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train4-year engineering degreeTypical program length
- U.S. jobs98,200Employment, 2025
What electronics engineers do
Electronics engineers design the circuits inside modern devices. They design boards and systems for phones, vehicles, medical devices, radar and communications, simulate and test circuits, and work with manufacturing.
Electronics engineers need a bachelor’s degree in electrical or electronics engineering. Pay is high.
Typical duties
- Design circuits
- Lay out boards
- Simulate designs
- Test prototypes
- Debug hardware
- Work with manufacturing
- Write specs
Work environment and schedule
Electronics engineers work in labs and offices.
Schedule: Full-time business hours.
A day in the life
- Review a schematic.
- Simulate a power supply.
- Lay out a PCB.
- Debug a prototype board.
See a full day in the life of an electronics engineer →
Electronics Engineer salary
Half of electronics engineers earned more than $130,220 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $81,840 for the lowest 10% to $206,960 for the top 10%.
Full electronics engineer pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an electronics engineer
- Earn an EE degree
- Build projects
- Do internships
- Join as an engineer
- Specialize
A bachelor’s degree in electrical or electronics engineering is required.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an electronics engineer →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Circuit design
- PCB layout
- Simulation
- Signal integrity
- Power electronics
People skills
- Problem-solving
- Patience
- Teamwork
- Attention to detail
All electronics engineer skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- High pay
- Hands-on lab work
- Cutting-edge tech
- Many industries
Cons
- Fast-changing tech
- Debugging can be slow
- Clearances for defense
- Supply chain issues
Certifications and licenses
- PE license: Optional.
- IPC CID: PCB design certification.
- Security clearance: For defense.
- Master’s: For advanced roles.
Career path
- Engineer I: Entry.
- Electronics Engineer: Design.
- Senior Engineer: Lead.
- Principal Engineer: Technical leader.
Learn the job before day one
Our Electronics Engineer training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as debug a prototype circuit board and review a PCB layout, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Electronics Technician
Build, test and troubleshoot electronic circuits and equipment.
- $78,190
- 2 years
Electrical Drafter
Draw wiring diagrams and electrical plans for buildings and equipment.
- $76,870
- 2-year degree
Semiconductor Processing Technician
Run the clean-room tools that make computer chips.
- $51,430
- 1–6 months
Compare: Electronics Engineer vs. Electrical Engineer · Electronics Engineer vs. Electronics Technician · Electronics Engineer vs. Electrical Drafter · Electronics Engineer vs. Semiconductor Technician
Electronics Engineer FAQ
What’s the difference between electrical and electronics engineers?
Electronics engineers focus on circuits and devices; electrical engineers often focus on power systems.
Is pay high?
Yes, BLS reports high median pay.
Do I need a master’s?
Not usually.
How much does an electronics engineer make?
The median annual wage for electronics engineers was $130,220 ($62.60 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $81,840 and the highest 10% earned more than $206,960.
How long does it take to become an electronics engineer?
Most people need about 4-year engineering degree of training. A bachelor’s degree in electrical or electronics engineering is required.
Do you need a degree to be an electronics engineer?
Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.
More electronics engineer questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 17-2072 (Electronics engineers, except computer).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Electronics engineers, except computer (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.