Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

SOC: 17-3023 O*NET: 17-3023.00
Median Salary
$77,180
per year
Job Growth
📉 0.6%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
8.4
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3

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.

What does a Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians do?

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.

How much can you earn?

Entry Level
$48,250
10th percentile
Early Career
$60,610
25th percentile
Median
$77,180
50th percentile
Experienced
$94,810
75th percentile
Top Earners
$111,790
90th percentile

National Salary Distribution

10th
$48,250
25th
$60,610
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$77,180
Mean: $78,580
75th
$94,810
90th
$111,790
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)

Key Insights

  • Salary range spans $63,540 from entry level to top earners
  • Middle 50% earn between $60,610 and $94,810
  • Salary spread is 44.3% around the median, showing high variation
  • Total national employment: 92,710 professionals

What's the job outlook?

Job Market Intelligence

Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk

Current Employment

National Employment:93,700

Top Industries

Manufacturing40.4%
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing22.6%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services21.5%

10-Year Outlook

Growth Rate:+0.6%
Annual Openings:8,400

Employment Projections

2024 (Current)93,700
Current
2034 (Projected)94,300
+0.6%
+600
Employment Change
+0.6%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection

Growth Category: More slowly than average

Geographic Salary & Employment Data

Explore where Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians professionals work across the United States

Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
12,460 jobs$84,5301.15x
Texas
8,160 jobs$69,7200.98x
Florida
5,240 jobs$66,6300.89x
New York
4,270 jobs$77,5500.74x
Virginia
4,030 jobs$84,5301.65x
Massachusetts
3,950 jobs$78,6601.80x
Pennsylvania
3,610 jobs$67,2001.00x
Michigan
2,510 jobs$69,3100.95x
Washington
2,390 jobs$84,5301.12x
Arizona
2,360 jobs$78,7601.23x
Oregon
2,320 jobs$77,3901.97x
Tennessee
2,180 jobs$62,0501.11x
Georgia
2,150 jobs$75,0000.74x
Illinois
2,110 jobs$76,5200.58x
Maryland
2,080 jobs$98,6601.26x

Understanding the Data

Location Quotient (LQ):

  • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
  • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
  • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average

Data Source:

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024

Key Growth Factors

    Standard growth expectations for this occupation

    What skills do you need?

    Top 10 Most Important Skills

    #1
    Reading Comprehension
    100%
    #2
    Critical Thinking
    94%
    #3
    Active Listening
    86%
    #4
    Repairing
    80%
    #5
    Troubleshooting
    74%
    #6
    Complex Problem Solving
    66%
    #7
    Speaking
    60%
    #8
    Writing
    54%
    #9
    Systems Analysis
    46%
    #10
    Active Learning
    40%

    Skills Overview

    Reading Comprehension
    advanced5.0
    100%
    Critical Thinking
    advanced4.7
    94%
    Active Listening
    intermediate4.3
    86%
    Repairing
    intermediate4.0
    80%
    Troubleshooting
    intermediate3.7
    74%
    Complex Problem Solving
    advanced3.3
    66%
    Speaking
    intermediate3.0
    60%
    Writing
    basic2.7
    54%

    Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.

    Filter:
    Sort by:

    Reading Comprehension

    advanced
    Importance100%
    abilities
    5.0/5.0

    Critical Thinking

    advanced
    Importance94%
    abilities
    4.7/5.0

    Active Listening

    intermediate
    Importance86%
    skills
    4.3/5.0

    Repairing

    intermediate
    Importance80%
    abilities
    4.0/5.0

    Troubleshooting

    intermediate
    Importance74%
    skills
    3.7/5.0

    Complex Problem Solving

    advanced
    Importance66%
    abilities
    3.3/5.0

    Speaking

    intermediate
    Importance60%
    skills
    3.0/5.0

    Writing

    basic
    Importance54%
    skills
    2.7/5.0

    Systems Analysis

    basic
    Importance46%
    skills
    2.3/5.0

    Active Learning

    basic
    Importance40%
    abilities
    2.0/5.0

    Highly Transferable Skills

    These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:

    Industrial Ecologists67%
    5 shared skills
    Computer Hardware Engineers67%
    5 shared skills
    Telecommunications Engineering Specialists67%
    5 shared skills
    Computer Network Support Specialists67%
    5 shared skills
    Health Informatics Specialists67%
    5 shared skills
    Curators67%
    5 shared skills

    Skills by Career Stage

    Entry Level

    Must Have:
    • Active Listening
    Learn on the Job:
    • Speaking
    • Writing
    • Complex Problem Solving

    Mid Career

    Expected:
    • Active Listening
    • Reading Comprehension
    • Critical Thinking
    • Repairing

    Senior Level

    Mastery Required:
    • Active Listening
    • Reading Comprehension
    • Critical Thinking
    • Repairing
    • Troubleshooting

    Skill Development Tips

    • Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
    • Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
    • Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
    • Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time

    What technology will you use?

    Technology & Digital Skills

    Essential technology proficiencies for Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

    Technology Intensity
    Very High

    Digital Literacy Requirements

    This career requires expert digital literacy

    1
    Basic
    2
    Intermediate
    3
    Advanced
    4
    Expert

    Key Digital Competencies:

    Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
    🔥

    Hot Technologies in Demand

    These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field

    The MathWorks MATLAB

    🔥 Hot Tech

    Autodesk AutoCAD

    🔥 Hot Tech

    Autodesk Revit

    🔥 Hot Tech

    Bentley MicroStation

    🔥 Hot Tech

    Dassault Systemes SolidWorks

    🔥 Hot Tech

    Microsoft Access

    🔥 Hot Tech

    Oracle Database

    🔥 Hot Tech

    C

    🔥 Hot Tech

    Eclipse IDE

    🔥 Hot Tech

    Microsoft Visual Basic

    🔥 Hot Tech

    Adobe Acrobat

    🔥 Hot Tech

    Microsoft Outlook

    🔥 Hot Tech

    Technology Stack

    Technology Stack Overview

    Key technologies used in this career

    The MathWorks MATLAB
    Autodesk AutoCAD
    Autodesk Revit
    Bentley MicroStation
    Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
    Microsoft Access
    Oracle Database
    C
    Eclipse IDE
    Microsoft Visual Basic
    Adobe Acrobat
    Microsoft Outlook

    📚 Technology Learning Resources

    Recommended Certifications

    • Vendor-specific software certifications
    • Industry-recognized technology credentials
    • Professional development courses

    Online Learning Platforms

    • LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
    • Coursera - University-level programs
    • Udemy - Practical skills training

    💡 Technology Skill Development Tips

    • Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
    • Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
    • Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
    • Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers

    What's the work environment like?

    🏗️
    Location
    Varies
    💪
    Physical Demand
    LOW
    👥
    Team Orientation
    Varies
    🤝
    Customer Interaction
    NONE

    💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?

    Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:

    • Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
    • Can you meet low physical demands?

    What are the key tasks?

    Tasks & Responsibilities

    21
    Core Tasks
    8
    Daily Tasks
    20
    Work Activities
    0
    Emerging Tasks
    Filter:
    Sort by:
    Documentation & Record-Keeping (5)General Responsibilities (10)Analysis & Evaluation (1)Training & Development (2)Planning & Development (2)Management & Supervision (1)
    1

    Modify, maintain, or repair electronics equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.

    🔴
    Daily
    Importance:
    100%
    Documentation & Record-Keeping100% perform
    2

    Replace defective components or parts, using hand tools and precision instruments.

    🔴
    Daily
    Importance:
    98%
    General Responsibilities97% perform
    3

    Set up and operate specialized or standard test equipment to diagnose, test, or analyze the performance of electronic components, assemblies, or systems.

    🔴
    Daily
    Importance:
    96%
    Analysis & Evaluation94% perform
    4

    Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components.

    🔴
    Daily
    Importance:
    94%
    Training & Development91% perform
    5

    Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions, working with manufacturers or field representatives as necessary to procure replacement parts.

    🔴
    Daily
    Importance:
    92%
    General Responsibilities88% perform
    6

    Assemble electrical systems or prototypes, using hand tools or measuring instruments.

    🔴
    Daily
    Importance:
    90%
    General Responsibilities85% perform
    7

    Review electrical engineering plans to ensure adherence to design specifications and compliance with applicable electrical codes and standards.

    🔴
    Daily
    Importance:
    88%
    Planning & Development82% perform
    8

    Assemble, test, or maintain circuitry or electronic components, according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, or knowledge of electronics, using hand or power tools.

    🔴
    Daily
    Importance:
    86%
    Documentation & Record-Keeping79% perform
    9

    Review existing electrical engineering criteria to identify necessary revisions, deletions, or amendments to outdated material.

    🟡
    Weekly
    Importance:
    84%
    General Responsibilities76% perform
    10

    Maintain system logs or manuals to document testing or operation of equipment.

    🟡
    Weekly
    Importance:
    82%
    Documentation & Record-Keeping73% perform

    💡 Key Takeaways

    • Daily tasks focus primarily on documentation & record-keeping activities
    • 33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
    • Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities

    What career paths are available?

    Career Pathways

    0
    Advancement Opportunities
    0
    Lateral Move Options
    0%
    Avg. Salary Increase

    Advancement Opportunities

    Typical career progression paths from Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

    💡 Career Planning Tips

    • Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
    • Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
    • Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
    • Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves

    Is this career right for you?

    Personality & Values Fit

    Is This Career Right for You?

    Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians professionals typically have a RIC Holland code and highly value support

    RRealistic
    IInvestigative
    CConventional

    Important Personality Traits

    Work styles that contribute to success as a Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

    Attention to Detail

    Critical

    Attention to Detail

    Importance Level4.60

    Dependability

    Very Important

    Dependability

    Importance Level4.39

    Analytical Thinking

    Very Important

    Analytical Thinking

    Importance Level4.31

    Integrity

    Very Important

    Integrity

    Importance Level4.16

    Adaptability/Flexibility

    Very Important

    Adaptability/Flexibility

    Importance Level4.12

    Cooperation

    Very Important

    Cooperation

    Importance Level4.06

    Complete Work Styles Profile

    Attention to Detail
    4.6
    Dependability
    4.4
    Analytical Thinking
    4.3
    Integrity
    4.2
    Adaptability/Flexibility
    4.1
    Cooperation
    4.1
    Initiative
    4.0
    Persistence
    3.9
    Independence
    3.9
    Stress Tolerance
    3.9

    💡 Tips for Career Fit Success

    • While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
    • Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
    • Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
    • Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career

    What education is required?

    Education Level

    Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
    Typical duration: Varies

    Preparation Level

    Job Zone 3
    Medium Preparation Needed

    Experience Needed

    Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required

    📚 Education Requirement

    Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree

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

    Training:

    Training of more than one year

    💼 Experience Requirement

    Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required

    Common pathways to gain experience:

    • Associate degree programs
    • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
    • Vocational training with related experience
    3

    Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

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

    Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience

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