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Electrical Engineer Salary & Career Insights
What is the average salary for an electrical engineer in the United States?
$106,950 per year
According to BLS.gov, the average salary for an electrical engineer in the United States is $106,950 annually. The lowest salary is $69,320 annually, and the highest is $172,050 annually.
Our salary data comes from BLS.gov. Salary data above is the median annual wage.
Job Outlook & Work Environment
Job Outlook
🚀 287,800; estimated number of electrical engineer jobs. It is estimated that 26,200 new jobs will be added by 2033.
☀️ The projected job outlook for electrical engineers is 9%, which is much faster than average.
Work Environment
💼 Most electrical engineers work in offices, but some visit sites to observe equipment.
🏢 19% of electrical engineers work in Telecommunications.
Electrical Engineer Salary in Comparison to Patent Law Salaries
How Does an Electrical Engineer Salary Stack Up?
The average electrical engineer earns $106,950 per year on average. This is around $25,000 short of the typical patent agent salary, which is $130,168 annually.
Therefore, from a salary standpoint, electrical engineers who take the patent bar exam and transition into a career in patent law will earn more than their counterparts. Patent attorneys earn an average of $185,351 annually, which is nearly $80K more than the average electrical engineer’s salary.
Top Electrical Engineer Salaries by Industry
| Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing Magnetic and Optical Media | $217,470 |
| Software Publishers | $177,350 |
| Computer Equipment Manufacturing | $174,590 |
| Oil and Gas Extraction | $155,660 |
| Other Pipeline Transportation | $151,550 |
Salary by Electrical Engineer Industry
In the U.S., the average electrical engineering salary is $106,950.
Electrical engineers in the Manufacturing Magnetic and Optical Media industry earn the highest average salary at $217,470. Those in the Software Publishers and Computer Equipment Manufacturing industries receive average salaries of $177,350 and $174,590, respectively. The Oil and Gas Extraction and Other Pipeline Transportation industries offer lower average salaries, at $155,660 and $151,550.
Experience & Education
Here are some typical daily activities of an electrical engineer:
- Working with Computers — Utilizing computer systems and technology, including hardware and software, for programming, software creation, function setup, data entry, and information processing.
- Decision Making and Problem Solving — Analyzing data and assessing outcomes to select the most effective solution and resolve issues.
- Scheduling Work and Activities — Organizing events, programs, and activities and coordinating the work of others.
- Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or digital form.
- Updating and Applying Knowledge — Staying current with technical advancements and incorporating new insights into job duties.
Here are the typical skills you need to work as an electrical engineer:
- Writing — Crafting written communication effectively tailored to meet the audience’s needs.
- Critical Thinking — Applying logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different solutions, conclusions, or problem-solving methods.
- Reading Comprehension — Grasping the meaning of written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Active Learning — Recognizing new information’s significance for current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Active Listening — Paying attention to others, understanding their points, asking relevant questions, and avoiding inappropriate interruptions.
Knowledge required to work as an electrical engineer:
- Engineering and Technology — Expertise in the practical application of engineering science and technology, including the use of principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to design and manufacture various products and services.
- Computers and Electronics — Understanding circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic devices, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Design — Familiarity with design techniques, tools, and principles for creating precise technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- English Language — Mastery of the structure and content of the English language, including word meanings and spellings, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Mathematics — Proficiency in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their practical applications.
Average Education
According to onetonline.org, 82% of electrical engineers have a Bachelor’s degree, 11% have an Associate’s degree, and 7% have a Master’s degree.
Top Electrical Engineer Salaries by Location
Factors that Impact Pay
Electrical engineers in San Jose, CA, earned the highest average salary among the cities listed, at $185,390. Santa Barbara, CA, and San Francisco, CA, follow with average salaries of $154,220 and $150,500, respectively. Albuquerque, NM, and Chico, CA, offer lower average salaries, at $139,340 and $136,220.
Electrical engineers in California earn the highest average salary among the states listed, at $147,340. New Mexico and New Hampshire follow with average salaries of $135,310 and $132,810, respectively. The District of Columbia and Massachusetts offer slightly lower average salaries, at $127,950 and $127,930.
Take a look at the average electrical engineer salaries from top-paying cities according to Bls.gov data.
| City | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $185,390 |
| Santa Barbara, CA | $154,220 |
| San Francisco, CA | $150,500 |
| Albuquerque, NM | $139,340 |
| Chico, CA | $136,220 |
Look at the average electrical engineer salaries from top-paying states according to Bls.gov data.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $147,340 |
| New Mexico | $135,310 |
| New Hampshire | $132,810 |
| District of Columbia | $127,950 |
| Massachusetts | $127,930 |
Related Careers
Patent Agent
Patent agents practice patent law before the USPTO.
Average of $130,168/year
Patent Attorney
Patent attorneys can practice patent law in addition to practicing law in jurisdictions where they are currently admitted.
Average of $185,351/year
Mechanical Engineers
Mechanical engineers plan and design tools, machines, and other mechanical equipment.
Average of $99,510/year