If you’re in the U.S. and thinking about becoming an electrical engineer, you’re in the right place. Electrical engineers help design and build the systems that power our homes, phones, cars, and more. This guide will walk you through how to become an electrical engineer. We’ll cover what an electrical engineer is, the pathway to becoming one, expected salary, and tips for success in the industry.
Quick look
- An electrical engineer designs, develops, and tests electrical equipment.
- They work on a wide range of technologies, from power grids to robotics and telecommunications.
- The median salary is around $105,000, with a positive job outlook.
- The path includes getting a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, gaining work experience, and obtaining a professional engineering (PE) license.
What is an electrical engineer?
An electrical engineer is someone who works with electricity to design, build, and improve things like power systems, electronics, and communication networks. They help create everything from home wiring to smartphones, traffic lights, and even robots. Their job is to make sure these systems work safely and efficiently.
Electrical engineers can be found in many places. Some work for power companies, while others are employed in factories, tech companies, or research labs. Some even help build big infrastructure projects like highways or airports.
On a typical day, an electrical engineer might design a circuit, test a piece of equipment, solve problems on a job site, or manage a project. They also work closely with other engineers, technicians, and even construction crews to get the job done right.
How long does it take to become an electrical engineer?
Most people start with a four-year bachelor’s degree. If you go on to become a licensed Professional Engineer (PE), expect to add another four years of work experience and testing.
Summary timeline
| Step | Duration |
| Bachelor’s degree | ~4 years |
| Optional internships/co‑ops | May add ~1 year |
| Master’s degree (if pursued) | ~2–3 years |
| PE licensing (experience & exams) | ~4 years after degree |
How much does an electrical engineer make?
Here’s a clear look at what electrical engineers earn, how fast the field is growing, and ways to boost your income:
Electrical engineer salary range (U.S., May 2024)
- Median: Electrical engineers earn around $106,361 per year on average
- The 10th percentile (entry-level or less experienced) earn below $74,670.
- The 90th percentile (highly experienced or specialized) earn more than $175,460.
Job outlook
Based on information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some general statistics about industry growth:
- The field is expected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations (including architects, teachers, etc.).
- About 19,000 job openings are projected each year, driven by new job creation and the need to replace retiring engineers.
- Growth is especially strong in areas like renewable energy, smart infrastructure, semiconductors, and communications technologies.
- The states with the highest employment for electrical engineers are California, Texas, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New York. These areas offer strong job markets and plenty of opportunities across industries.
Ways to increase earning potential
- Specialization: Focus areas like power systems, automation, semiconductors, or aerospace often have higher salaries due to their complex nature.
- Licensing: Becoming a PE can unlock leadership roles and allow you to sign off on big projects.
- Project leadership: Moving into management or supervisory roles often comes with higher pay and more responsibility.
- Different industries: Working in cutting-edge fields such as R&D or power generation tends to offer higher wages than standard engineering services.
Summary table
| Level or role | Typical salary range |
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | Below $75,000 |
| Median (general electrical engineering) | Around $112,000 |
| High-experience/Specialized (90th pct) | Over $175,000 |
| Electronics engineer (median) | Around $128,000 |
| Specialized industry roles | $115,000–$137,000+ |
Steps to become an electrical engineer in the U.S.
1. Earn a high school diploma or GED
The first step toward becoming an electrical engineer is finishing high school or earning a GED. This is your foundation for everything that comes next. If you’re still in school, try to take as many math and science classes as you can. Subjects like algebra, geometry, physics, and especially calculus are very important. They’ll help you understand how electricity works and prepare you for the college-level courses ahead.
Strong grades in these subjects also make you a more competitive applicant when it’s time to apply to engineering programs. Some schools may offer pre-engineering or STEM tracks; if available, these are also great options.
2. Get a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering
To become an electrical engineer, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field. It’s important to choose a program that’s ABET-accredited. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) ensures the program meets high standards, which can be beneficial when applying for jobs or licensure later on. Most electrical engineering programs take about four years to complete and include a mix of classroom learning and lab work. You’ll take courses like:
- Circuits and electronics: understanding how electricity flows through systems.
- Electromagnetics: learning how electric and magnetic fields interact.
- Control systems: designing systems that manage machines or processes.
- Digital logic design: building the “brains” behind computers and smart devices.
- Signals and systems: studying how electrical signals behave.
Many programs also include team projects or design challenges that help you apply your skills to real problems.
3. Participate in internships or co-op programs
Gaining hands-on experience during college is a significant advantage when starting your career. Internships and co-op programs let you work with real engineers on real projects while you’re still in school. This gives you a chance to apply what you’ve learned in class, build your resume, and figure out what kind of work you enjoy most.
Internships are typically completed over the summer, while co-op programs are longer and may require taking a semester off from school to work full-time. This experience can make it much easier to find a full-time job after graduation. It also helps you build connections in the industry, which is great for networking and future job opportunities.
4. Consider earning a Professional Engineer license
After earning your degree, consider becoming a licensed Professional Engineer. While not every electrical engineering job requires it, holding a PE license can open doors to higher-paying roles, leadership positions, and the ability to approve engineering plans or work on public projects.
The process starts with passing the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam. This is usually taken right after graduating from an ABET-accredited program. Once you pass the FE exam, you become an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI).
Next, you’ll need to gain about four years of work experience under the supervision of a licensed engineer. After that, you can apply to take the PE exam in your field. Passing this final test earns you the title of Professional Engineer.
Although it takes time, many engineers find that obtaining a license helps them stand out and advance in their careers.
5. Explore graduate education (optional)
While not required for most jobs, earning a master’s (MS) or doctoral (PhD) degree in electrical engineering is a smart move if you want to explore a specific area, teach at the college level, or work in research and development. These programs focus on advanced topics like robotics, renewable energy, computer engineering, or signal processing.
A master’s degree typically takes 2 to 3 years to complete, and a PhD can take 4 to 6 years beyond that. Some programs offer part-time or online options, which can be helpful if you’re already working. Many engineers choose to go back to school later in their careers to sharpen their skills or move into leadership or academic roles.
Tips for success as an electrical engineer in the U.S.
- Stay current with technology: Electrical engineering evolves rapidly as new tools and systems are continually developed. Taking extra courses, attending workshops, or earning certifications can help you stay ahead of the curve.
- Build strong communication skills: You may need to explain complex ideas to clients, coworkers, or team members who don’t have a technical background. Being a clear and confident communicator makes you more effective on the job.
- Join a professional association: Groups like the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) offer access to training, job boards, certifications, and networking events that can help you grow your career.
- Seek mentorship and networking opportunities: Talking with experienced engineers can give you insight into different career paths and help you find opportunities you might not see on your own.
- Get licensed and certified where applicable: Becoming a PE or earning industry-specific certifications can increase your credibility and open the door to more advanced or higher-paying roles.
Is electrical engineering a good career?
Yes, electrical engineering is a strong career choice in the U.S., especially as demand continues to grow across many industries. With aging power grids, the rise of green energy, and rapid technological advancements, skilled electrical engineers are needed more than ever. From smart homes to solar power systems to electric vehicles, this field touches almost every part of modern life.
There are also ongoing labor shortages in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers. To help fill the gap, both state and federal programs are investing in education, apprenticeships, and training to bring more people into the field.
Electrical engineering is a smart career choice because it offers job stability, a strong starting salary, and lots of room to grow. You can work in all sorts of industries, whether it’s building things, designing cars, making products, or working with clean energy.
If you’re not sure where to begin, you can even start in a related trade like electrical work or as a lineman. These jobs give you hands-on experience and you get paid while you learn, which can be a great way to get a foot in the door.
Bottom line
Becoming an electrical engineer in the U.S. is a realistic goal if you’re willing to put in the time and effort. With the right education, some hands-on experience, and a willingness to learn, you can build a rewarding career that makes a real impact.
If you’re still thinking about your options, consider checking out these related careers and training programs:
- How to get an electrician apprenticeship
- The best trade apprenticeships in construction
- Lineman apprenticeship programs
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