Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Pay and outlook

Median annual wage, May 2025

$78,190

Half earn more, half earn less

Middle half earn

$61,610 – $97,650

25th to 75th percentile

People employed, May 2025

95,130

Wage and salary jobs (OEWS)

Projected change, 2025–35

+2.4%

Growing slower than all jobs (0% to under 3.5%)

Openings a year (projected)

8,100

New jobs plus replacing people who leave

Typical education to enter

Associate's degree

BLS

• All figures are for the United States as a whole. Pay varies a lot by state and city.
• Wages are for everyone working in the occupation in May 2025, at every career stage. They are not starting salaries or figures for new graduates.
• Growth and openings are BLS projections for 2025–35. They are estimates, not promises. Openings include jobs that open up when people retire or change occupation, not just new jobs.

What the work involves

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

Main tasks

• Review electrical engineering plans to ensure adherence to design specifications and compliance with applicable electrical codes and standards.
• Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components.
• Assemble, test, or maintain circuitry or electronic components, according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, or knowledge of electronics, using hand or power tools.
• Maintain system logs or manuals to document testing or operation of equipment.
• Modify, maintain, or repair electronics equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
• Compile and maintain records documenting engineering schematics, installed equipment, installation or operational problems, resources used, repairs, or corrective action performed.
• Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions, working with manufacturers or field representatives as necessary to procure replacement parts.
• Supervise the installation or operation of electronic equipment or systems.

Description and tasks from the O*NET® 31.0 Database.

Getting in

Typical education to enter (BLS)

Associate's degree

O*NET Job Zone 3

Medium preparation

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Fields of study that lead here

From the federal CIP–SOC crosswalk, which links 9 programmes to this occupation. A link means the programme prepares people for this kind of work. It doesn't mean the programme is required, or that it's the only route.

Related careers

Related occupations from the O*NET database, in its order.

• Calibration Technologists and Technicians

  $67,820 median · +4.8% projected

• Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

  $130,220 median · +3.7% projected

• Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians

  $74,510 median · +1.3% projected

• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment

  $74,090 median · +0.3% projected

• Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

  $84,890 median · +5.4% projected

• Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

  $73,900 median · +2.6% projected