How to become electrical engineerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Engineering & Science Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$120,630

25th–75th pct. $92,830–$152,950

Top pay (est.)

$239,600

Top 10% $184,300

Pay in 5 years

$138,000est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$157,800est.

$135,700–$183,300

Outlook score

61/100

★★★☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

69%

High

Job growth (10 yr)

+9.9%

11K openings / yr

How to become electrical engineers

Typical education

Bachelor's degree

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Electrical Engineers

Key skills

Reading Comprehension

4.4

Speaking

4.2

Writing

4.2

Critical Thinking

4.1

Active Listening

4.1

Mathematics

4.1

Complex Problem Solving

4.0

Active Learning

3.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Engineering and Technology

6.0

Computers and Electronics

6.0

Design

5.4

Mathematics

5.0

Physics

4.5

English Language

4.3

Production and Processing

3.9

Mechanical

3.8

What the work involves

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsWorking with ComputersDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersThinking CreativelyScheduling Work and Activities

Important abilities

Written ComprehensionOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionProblem SensitivityDeductive Reasoning

Education of workers

Bachelor's degree

82%

Associate's degree

11%

Master's degree

Training before entry

2–4 years

30%

Up to 1 month

21%

1–3 months

21%

1–2 years

13%

None / short demo

4–10 years

3–6 months

6–12 months

Related work experience

4–6 years

30%

Over 10 years

19%

6–8 years

17%

2–4 years

13%

1–2 years

12%

8–10 years

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as electrical engineers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Civil Engineers Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems.	$100,840	56/100	68%
2	Industrial Engineers Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.	$102,440	63/100	62%
3	Mechanical Engineers Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment.	$104,110	62/100	62%
4	Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists Conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health.	$103,410	64/100	63%
5	Engineers, All Other All engineers not listed separately.	$122,930	57/100	35%
6	Operations Research Analysts Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions.	$88,940	59/100	72%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.