Career comparison
Electrical Engineer vs. Electrician
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Electrical engineers earn more at the median ($120,630 vs. $63,190), while electrical engineers usually get to work faster (4 years of training). Electrical engineers design power systems, electronics and controls that run modern life. Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical wiring, panels and equipment safely to code.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Electrical Engineer | Electrician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $120,630 ($58.00/hr) | $63,190 ($30.38/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $76,550 – $184,300 | $42,640 – $108,510 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +9.9% (much faster than average) | +9.2% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 11,400 | 72,700 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 4 years | 4–5 years (paid apprenticeship) |
| Key credential | Engineer in Training (EIT) | Journeyman electrician license |
| Work setting | Electrical engineers work in offices, labs, plants and at project sites.. | Electricians work indoors and outdoors at construction sites, homes, businesses and factories. |
What each job does
Electrical Engineer
- Design electrical systems
- Develop circuits and electronics
- Calculate loads and specify equipment
- Create schematics and drawings
- Test and troubleshoot systems
Electrician
- Read blueprints, schematics and electrical plans
- Install conduit, wiring, panels, breakers, receptacles and fixtures
- Inspect and test electrical systems with meters and testers
- Troubleshoot and repair faults in circuits, motors and controls
- Follow the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local codes
How they’re similar
Both careers involve problem-solving, indoor work, in-demand, and teamwork. They sit in different fields, science, engineering & lab and skilled trades & construction, but share transferable skills such as problem solving and problem-solving.
Which should you choose?
Choose electrical engineer if…
- I love electricity and electronics
- I enjoy math and physics
- I want high pay
Choose electrician if…
- I like working with my hands and solving technical problems
- I’m comfortable with math and following detailed diagrams
- I respect safety rules, and follow them every time
Still torn? Take the Electrical Engineer fit quiz and the Electrician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, electrical engineer or electrician?
Electrical Engineers earn more at the median: $120,630 versus $63,190 for electricians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Electrical Engineers typically train faster (4 years) than electricians (4–5 years (paid apprenticeship)).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects electrical engineers to grow +9.9% from 2025–35, compared with +9.2% for electricians.