What Electrical Engineers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Electrical Engineers this way: "Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Confer with engineers, customers, or others to discuss existing or potential engineering projects or products"; "Design, implement, maintain, or improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, or domestic purposes"; "Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform engineering tasks"; "Direct or coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, or testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, or customer requirements"; "Perform detailed calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction, or installation standards or specifications".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree.
Job outlook for Electrical Engineers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 199,700 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 219,500 in 2035, an increase of 19,800 jobs (+9.9%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 11,400 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 5.7% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $120,630, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Electrical Engineers earn the most
Across the 4 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $109,451 in Michigan to $147,367 in California, a gap of $37,916 (1.35 times). 2 of those 4 states average above the BLS national median of $120,630 and 2 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 23,110, which is 42.7% of the 54,110 counted across them. New Jersey follows with 10,430.
Highest-paying states
California ($147,367), New Jersey ($127,183) and New York ($120,316) lead the ranking, while Michigan ($109,451) and New York ($120,316) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Electrical Engineers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 4 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Wayne County, MI (Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI) at $63,078. The smallest margin is $51,116 in Kings County, NY.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 4 of the 4 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 16.6% and 35.6% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Electrical Engineers
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (17-2000) include Computer Hardware Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Industrial Engineers and Civil Engineers.
Frequently asked questions about Electrical Engineers
How much do Electrical Engineers earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $120,630. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $109,451 to $147,367.
Which state pays Electrical Engineers the most?
California, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $147,367. New Jersey is next at $127,183.
Is Electrical Engineers a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 9.9% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 11,400 openings a year.
What education do Electrical Engineers need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, according to BLS.
Where can Electrical Engineers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Wayne County, MI leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $63,078 on a median wage of $114,390.