Electronics Engineer Salary & Career Insights

What is the average salary for an electronics engineer in the United States?

$119,200 per year

According to BLS.gov, the average salary for an electronics engineer in the United States is $119,200 annually. The lowest salary is $76,700 annually, and the highest is $179,690 annually.

Job Outlook & Work Environment

Job Outlook

🚀 287,800; estimated number of electronics engineering jobs in 2023. This number is expected to grow by 26,200 new jobs between now and 2033.

☀️ The projected job outlook is expected to grow at a rate of 9% which is much faster than the growth of the average career.

Work Environment

💼 Most electronics engineers work in offices, however some do visit outdoor sites.

🏢 19% of electronics engineers work in communications, while 15% work in government jobs (excluding postal service).

Electronics Engineer Salary in Comparison to Patent Law Salaries

How Does an Electronics Engineer Salary Stack Up?

Both patent agents ($130K) and patent attorneys ($185K) make more money than electronics engineers ($119K).

If you pass the patent bar exam as an electronics engineer, you can expect a higher salary when transitioning to a patent law career.

Top Electronics Engineer Salaries by Industry

IndustryAverage Salary
Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing$154,740
Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing$148,460
Scientific Research and Development Services$147,320
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing$137,020
Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing$136,830
Annual mean wages.

Salary by Electronics Engineer Industry

In the U.S., the average electronics engineering salary is $119,200.

Top Electronics Engineer salaries by industry indicate that Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing offers the highest average salary at $154,740.

Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing follows with an average salary of $148,460, and Scientific Research and Development Services offer $147,320.

Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing and Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing provide average salaries of $137,020 and $136,830, respectively.

Experience & Education

Here are some typical daily activities of an electronics engineer:

  • Working with Computers — Employing computers and computer systems, including hardware and software, to program, develop software, configure functions, input data, or manage information.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Discern underlying principles, reasons, or facts by deconstructing information or data into separate components.
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Creating documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to guide others in fabricating, constructing, assembling, modifying, maintaining, or using devices, parts, equipment, or structures.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Evaluating information and examining results to select the optimal solution and resolve issues.

Here are the typical skills you need to work as an electronics engineer:

  • Complex Problem Solving — Recognizing intricate problems and analyzing related information to formulate, assess, and execute solutions.
  • Critical Thinking — Applying logic and reasoning to pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of different solutions, conclusions, or problem-solving approaches.
  • Reading Comprehension — Grasping the meaning of sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • Speaking — Communicating with others to convey information efficiently and effectively.
  • Active Listening — Fully concentrating on what others are saying, taking the time to understand their points, asking relevant questions, and avoiding inappropriate interruptions.

Knowledge required to work as an electronics engineer:

  • Engineering and Technology — Understanding the practical application of engineering science and technology, including using principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment in designing and producing various goods and services.
  • Computers and Electronics — Familiarity with circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, encompassing applications and programming.
  • Design — Expertise in design techniques, tools, and principles for creating precise technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Mathematics — Proficiency in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their practical applications.

Average Education

According to onetonline.org, 83% of electronic engineers have a Bachelor’s degree, 14% have an Associate’s degree, and 3% have a Master’s degree.

Top Electronics Engineer Salaries by Location

Factors that Impact Pay

Top Electronics Engineer salaries by location show that San Jose, CA offers the highest average salary at $178,270. San Francisco, CA follows with an average salary of $162,630, and Santa Rosa, CA offers $153,950. Lexington Park, MD and Baltimore, MD provide average salaries of $144,020 and $143,800, respectively.

Top Electronics Engineer salaries by state reveal that California offers the highest average salary at $150,490. The District of Columbia follows with an average salary of $146,740, and Maryland offers $140,500. New Jersey and Maine provide average salaries of $139,750 and $136,170, respectively.

Take a look at the average electronics engineer salaries from top-paying cities according to Bls.gov data.

CityAverage Salary
San Jose, CA$178,270
San Francisco, CA$162,630
Santa Rosa, CA$153,950
Lexington Park, MD$144,020
Baltimore, MD$143,800
Annual mean wages.

Look at the average electronics engineer salaries from top-paying states according to Bls.gov data.

StateAverage Salary
California$150,490
District of Columbia$146,740
Maryland$140,500
New Jersey$139,750
Maine$136,170
Annual mean wages.

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

Job Openings in the United States


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