Electrical Engineers
Electrical engineers research, design, develop, and test electrical equipment and systems used in commercial, industrial, military, and scientific applications. They work in offices, laboratories, and manufacturing facilities, often collaborating with technicians and other engineers to solve technical problems and oversee the installation and performance of electrical components and systems.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against electrical engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves reviewing technical specifications, using computer-aided design software to create or modify electrical systems, and conducting tests on prototypes or finished equipment. Engineers may attend meetings to discuss project progress, troubleshoot problems in the field, review test data, or consult with clients and manufacturers. Some time is spent documenting designs and writing technical reports.
Who this work suits
Holland code RIC. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy working through concrete technical problems and investigating how things work. You're drawn to hands-on problem-solving and understanding the physical principles behind electrical systems rather than abstract theory alone.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Electrical Engineer · Architect of the Capitol · Washington, District of Columbia · $85447–$158322
- Electrical Engineer (Reliability Compliance) · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers · Pomeroy, Washington · $104502–$127443
- Electrical Engineer · U.S. Coast Guard · Birmingham, Alabama · $90410–$117535
- INTERDISCIPLINARY ELECTRICAL ENG/COMPUTER ENG/ELECTRONICS ENG/AEROSPACE ENG/COMPUTER SCIENTIST · National Air and Space Intelligence Center · Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio · $148275–$192764
- Electrical Engineer · Southwestern Power Administration · Multiple Locations · $57999–$103709
- Electrical Engineer · Bonneville Power Administration · Vancouver, Washington · $130328–$157607
- Electrical Engineer · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers · Tulsa, Oklahoma · $104502–$127443
- Healthcare Engineer - Electrical Engineer · Veterans Health Administration · Northport, New York · $130369–$169484
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | $127,540 | $158,520 | $196,240 | 2,560 |
| California | $106,100 | $144,040 | $185,520 | 24,230 |
| District of Columbia | $111,530 | $143,000 | $173,790 | 330 |
| New Hampshire | $103,460 | $135,710 | $169,020 | 1,600 |
| Washington | $103,910 | $132,710 | $166,160 | 7,610 |
| Texas | $95,130 | $129,450 | $164,730 | 20,870 |
| Idaho | $101,160 | $129,340 | $154,900 | 1,000 |
| Massachusetts | $100,010 | $127,720 | $160,910 | 5,040 |
| Delaware | $100,430 | $126,970 | $141,150 | 660 |
| Alaska | $96,210 | $125,970 | $137,840 | 350 |
| Alabama | $98,220 | $125,630 | $153,280 | 4,600 |
| New Jersey | $98,510 | $125,370 | $147,640 | 2,940 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Fundamentals of Engineering - Electrical and Computer (FE-E&C) — National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
- Principles and Practice of Engineering - Electrical and Computer (PE-E&C) — National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
- Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) — American Society for Quality
- ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) Associate Engineer (NCE) — Exemplar Global
- Residential and Commercial Electrical Inspector — International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
- EMC Design Engineer Senior (NCE) — Exemplar Global
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 4 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against electrical engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 17-2071.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.