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Electrical Engineer

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AVG. SALARY

$102,880

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EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree

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JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics cluster Engineering and Technology pathway.

Beyond High School

Here's a list of programs that you should consider if you're interested in this career:

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

Bachelor's degree

Electrical engineers must have a bachelor's degree. Employers also value practical experience, such as internships or participation in cooperative engineering programs, in which students earn academic credit for structured work experience.

Insider Info

Additional Information

If you're thinking about a career in electrical engineering, you better enjoy math.

"Just like any other engineering degree, electrical requires a very good foundation in mathematics," says electrical engineer Kiruba Sivasubramaniam. "Anyone with an interest in going to college for an engineering degree should take their math courses in high school very seriously." High school students should take calculus if it's offered.

While it helps to be good at math, many engineers find they have to deal with more than numbers on the job. They also have to manage finances and communicate with people.

"A basic accounting course or business law in high school would be a good idea," says electrical engineer Greg Kleese. "You don't want to limit yourself by just being techno-nerdy. It's the people who also have the ability to communicate and bring business skills that are on the move up and up."

Once you're enrolled in engineering at university, don't feel swamped by the workload.

"Don't be intimidated by engineering," Kleese advises. "You may feel that you have to put in extra hours to get this degree. But it's hard to think of another career where you're as employable to do interesting work with just a bachelor's degree."

Try joining circuitry, space and rocketry or science clubs at high school to get some practical experience. Computer clubs, math and physics teams are also great places to learn skills that will help in a career towards electrical engineering.

In the United States, a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited program is generally acceptable for starting out. Graduate training is essential for engineering faculty positions, but not for most entry-level jobs. However, many engineers obtain a master's degree to learn about new technology, to broaden their education and to increase possibilities of job promotion.

Engineers whose work will affect life, health or property, or who offer service to the public, must be registered. Registration requires a degree from an engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, four years of work experience and the completion of a state exam.

Extra Requirements

Electrical engineers are not required to be licensed at the entry level. More experienced electrical engineers, who assume more responsibility, usually earn the Professional Engineer (PE) license.

For additional information, visit these websites:

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

Support