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What kinds of jobs can someone get when they major in Electrical Engineering?
What kinds of jobs can someone get when they major in Electrical Engineering? How does that relate to other types of engineering? How much does a person get paid in those jobs?
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4 answers
Fahad Elahi Khan
Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate
44
Answers
Chittagong, Chittagong Division, Bangladesh
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Fahad Elahi’s Answer
With an electrical engineering major, you can land jobs like power systems engineer, designing electrical grids, or electronics engineer, working on circuits for devices. Other options include controls engineer for automation systems or telecommunications engineer for networks. It overlaps with computer engineering in hardware design, mechanical in mechatronics like robotics, and civil in building electrical systems. Salaries are strong: median around 111910 dollars for electrical engineers, with electronics at 127590 dollars in 2024 data, and entry level starting at 80000 to 100000 dollars, varying by location and experience. Top roles in renewable energy or AI hardware can push higher. Focus on internships to explore these paths.
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
Ethiopia
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Electrical engineering offers many career opportunities in electricity and electronics, with applications in power systems, substations, the power grid, electronic design, telecommunications, factories, control systems, industrial control machines, embedded systems, ICT, network infrastructure, electrical equipment, biomedical devices, research institutions, and academia. Electrical engineers can also work in emerging fields such as renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, aerospace and defense, AI hardware, and robotics startups. They often collaborate with other engineering disciplines, including computer, mechanical, civil, chemical, and biomedical engineering, on projects such as robotics, intelligent infrastructure, and healthcare technology. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for electrical engineers in the United States was $111,910 in May 2024.
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Armando de Jesús’s Answer
Electrical engineering is one of the most versatile engineering fields, opening doors to careers in multiple industries. Common roles include:
* Electrical Design Engineer – Designs circuits and electrical systems for electronics, automotive, and aerospace applications.
* Power Systems Engineer – Works on power generation, transmission, and renewable energy integration.
* Controls Engineer – Develops automation and control systems for manufacturing and robotics.
* Telecommunications Engineer – Designs and maintains communication networks and fiber optics.
* Electronics Engineer – Creates microchips, sensors, and embedded systems for consumer and industrial products.
* Project Engineer or Test Engineer – Oversees projects or tests electrical systems for reliability and compliance.
Electrical engineers work in sectors like energy and power, semiconductors, telecommunications, aerospace and defense, and automation and robotics. This flexibility makes the degree attractive for careers in cutting-edge technology and often overlaps with computer engineering (hardware design), mechanical engineering (robotics and automation), and chemical engineering (battery technology and energy systems).
Regarding salaries, in the U.S., the median annual salary for electrical engineers is about $106,950, with most earning between $83,000 and $137,000. It's worth saying that entry-level positions start around $66,000.
* Electrical Design Engineer – Designs circuits and electrical systems for electronics, automotive, and aerospace applications.
* Power Systems Engineer – Works on power generation, transmission, and renewable energy integration.
* Controls Engineer – Develops automation and control systems for manufacturing and robotics.
* Telecommunications Engineer – Designs and maintains communication networks and fiber optics.
* Electronics Engineer – Creates microchips, sensors, and embedded systems for consumer and industrial products.
* Project Engineer or Test Engineer – Oversees projects or tests electrical systems for reliability and compliance.
Electrical engineers work in sectors like energy and power, semiconductors, telecommunications, aerospace and defense, and automation and robotics. This flexibility makes the degree attractive for careers in cutting-edge technology and often overlaps with computer engineering (hardware design), mechanical engineering (robotics and automation), and chemical engineering (battery technology and energy systems).
Regarding salaries, in the U.S., the median annual salary for electrical engineers is about $106,950, with most earning between $83,000 and $137,000. It's worth saying that entry-level positions start around $66,000.
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Margie’s Answer
Electrical engineers have tons of opportunities so you can really decide what interests you. My minor was electrical but my major was computer science. I enjoy seeing how things are made so I automated manufacturing facilities - food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals. It was really interesting to me to see what went into food, tires, drugs, etc. My husband started his own engineering firm automating all types of manufacturing plants as well and it has been extremely lucrative but he also has the benefit that he can say no if he doesn't like working with a particular customer and he sets his own hours. I have several friends that are electrical engineers and some stayed very close to the what people think of as electrical engineers designing motors and pumps, I have another that works for a large company who makes electrical products for data centers (huge with the need from AI), and another that already has a job but senior in college - he will be working for a company that automates buildings (HVAC, lighting, etc). I found that I liked being technical and do technical sales now. It's not at all what I thought I'd be doing but it's a lot of fun and very flexible which has helped as I got older with a family.
No matter what you do, always try something new or volunteer for things outside of your comfort area - you may be surprised at what interests you. I have tried technical support, speaker at conferences, R&D, support, sales, and design. It has made me much more well rounded and I understand things a lot more. I also got my MBA after working for a number of years and that has helped me so much more than it would have when I was younger. I understand the decision making process of projects and products with the ROI. Good luck!
No matter what you do, always try something new or volunteer for things outside of your comfort area - you may be surprised at what interests you. I have tried technical support, speaker at conferences, R&D, support, sales, and design. It has made me much more well rounded and I understand things a lot more. I also got my MBA after working for a number of years and that has helped me so much more than it would have when I was younger. I understand the decision making process of projects and products with the ROI. Good luck!