Electrical and electronics engineers

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From geographical information systems that can continuously provide the location of a vehicle to giant electric power generators, electrical and electronics engineers are responsible for a wide range of technologies. Electrical and electronics engineers design, develop, test and supervise the manufacture of electrical and electronic equipment. Some of this equipment includes power generating, controlling and transmission devices used by electric utilities; and electric motors, machinery controls, lighting and wiring found in buildings, automobiles, aircraft, navigation systems and communications systems. Many electrical and electronics engineers also work in areas closely related to computers.

Electrical and electronics engineers specialize in different areas such as power generation, transmission and distribution; communications; and electrical equipment manufacturing, or a subdivision of these areas — industrial robot control systems or aviation electronics, for example. Electrical and electronics engineers design new products, write performance requirements and develop maintenance schedules. They also test equipment, solve operating problems and estimate the time and cost of engineering projects.

Job outlook

Electrical and electronics engineering graduates should have favorable job opportunities. The number of job openings resulting from employment growth and the need to replace electrical engineers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force is expected to be in rough balance with the supply of graduates. Employment of electrical and electronics engineers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2010.

Projected job growth stems largely from increased demand for electrical and electronic goods, including advanced communications equipment, defense-related electronic equipment and consumer electronics products. The need for electronics manufacturers to invest heavily in research and development to remain competitive and gain a scientific edge will provide openings for graduates who have learned the latest technologies.

Opportunities for electronics engineers in defense-related firms should improve as aircraft and weapons systems are upgraded with improved navigation, control, guidance and targeting systems. Growth is expected to be fastest in services industries — particularly consulting firms that provide electronic engineering expertise.

Continuing education is important for electrical and electronics engineers. Engineers who fail to keep up with the rapid changes in technology risk becoming more susceptible to layoffs or, at a minimum, more likely to be passed over for advancement.

Earnings

Electrical and electronics engineers held about 288,000 jobs in 2000, making their occupation the largest branch of engineering. Most jobs were in engineering and business consulting firms, government agencies and manufacturers of electrical and electronic and computer and office equipment, industrial machinery, and professional and scientific instruments.

Median annual earnings of electrical engineers were $64,910 in 2000. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of electrical engineers in 2000 were:

Computer and office equipment $69,700
Measuring and controlling devices 67,570
Search and navigation equipment 67,330
Electronic components and accessories 65,830
Engineering and architectural services 65,040

Median annual earnings of electronics engineers, except computer, were $64,830 in 2000. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of electronics engineers in 2000 were:

Federal government $70,890
Search and navigation equipment 68,930
Electronic components and accessories 63,890
Electrical goods 62,860
Telephone communication 57,710

According to a 2001 salary survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, bachelor's degree candidates in electrical and electronics engineering received starting offers averaging $51,910 a year; master's degree candidates averaged $63,812; and Ph.D. candidates averaged $79,241.

Related links

For more information on electrical and electronics engineers:

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, 445 Hoes Lane, Piscatway, NJ 08855-1331.

Adapted from the Labor Department's Occupational Outlook Handbook.