Career overview

Electrical Engineers

O*NET-SOC 17-2071.00

Median pay / yr$111,910

OutlookRapid Growth

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

What it takes

The skills, knowledge, and credentials employers look for in Electrical Engineers.

Skills employers look for

WritingCommunicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical ThinkingUsing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active LearningUnderstanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Active ListeningGiving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Knowledge areas

Engineering and TechnologyKnowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Computers and ElectronicsKnowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
DesignKnowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
English LanguageKnowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
MathematicsKnowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.