What Electrical Engineers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Electrical Engineers this way: "Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Confer with engineers, customers, or others to discuss existing or potential engineering projects or products"; "Design, implement, maintain, or improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, or domestic purposes"; "Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform engineering tasks"; "Direct or coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, or testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, or customer requirements"; "Perform detailed calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction, or installation standards or specifications".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree.
Job outlook for Electrical Engineers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 199,700 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 219,500 in 2035, an increase of 19,800 jobs (+9.9%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 11,400 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 5.7% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $120,630, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Electrical Engineers earn the most
Published data currently covers California, where the employment-weighted average of local median wages is $147,367. More states are added as pages are published.
Occupations related to Electrical Engineers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (17-2000) include Computer Hardware Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Industrial Engineers and Civil Engineers.
Frequently asked questions about Electrical Engineers
How much do Electrical Engineers earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $120,630.
Is Electrical Engineers a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 9.9% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 11,400 openings a year.
What education do Electrical Engineers need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, according to BLS.