Is Electrical Engineering a Promising Career?

May 23

What Do Electrical Engineers Do?

An electrical engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining systems that use electricity. These can range from small circuit boards to large-scale power infrastructure in industrial facilities.

In manufacturing settings, electrical engineers often work with automation systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), robotics, and energy management systems—ensuring machines operate safely and efficiently. They also support energy upgrades, equipment maintenance, and system optimization.

Is Electrical Engineering Really That Hard?

It's a common question—and one many job seekers ask when exploring this field. The short answer? Yes, it's challenging. But that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach.

Here’s what real electrical engineers say:

It’s only hard if you hate it. If you're genuinely interested in how systems work, enjoy solving problems, and are curious about technology, you're already ahead of the curve.
Discipline matters more than genius. Many who succeed aren’t naturally gifted—they’re consistent, focused, and manage their time well.
You won’t love every topic—and that’s okay. From circuits and controls to signal processing and semiconductors, EE covers a wide range. Most engineers discover what excites them and build a career around it.
Study groups and mentors help. Surrounding yourself with supportive peers and using resources like tutoring, labs, and internships can make even the toughest subjects manageable.

If you’re willing to work hard and stay curious, electrical engineering can be incredibly rewarding—both intellectually and financially.

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Electrical Engineer Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical engineers in the U.S. earn a strong average salary:

Average annual wage: $111,910
10% earn $74,670 or less
Top 10% earn $175,460 or more

Top-paying industries for electrical engineers

Manufacturing and Reproducing Magnetic and Optical Media: $217,470
Software Publishers: $177,350
Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing: $174,590
Oil and Gas Extraction: $155,660
Other Pipeline Transportation: $151,550

Engineers in these fields often specialize in systems integration, embedded software, or industrial controls—skills that are highly valued and well-compensated.

Where Can Electrical Engineers Maximize Their Earnings?

Some states offer significantly higher pay for electrical engineers, especially where tech, energy, and advanced manufacturing industries are concentrated.

Top-paying states for Electrical engineers

California: $147,340
New Mexico: $135,310
New Hampshire: $132,810
District of Columbia: $127,950
Massachusetts: $127,930

If you’re flexible on location, moving to one of these high-paying states can boost your earning potential substantially.

Where Electrical Engineers Are Most Needed

Electrical engineers are essential across a wide range of industries. Here are a few sectors where we consistently see strong hiring demand:

Engineering and consulting firms – Design infrastructure, facilities, and automation systems for major clients
Energy and power companies – Manage grids, improve energy efficiency, and support renewable systems
Aerospace and defense – Work on complex systems from avionics to navigation
Advanced manufacturing – Support automation, robotics, and precision equipment
Corporate R&D teams – Innovate everything from medical devices to semiconductors

These industries don’t just offer jobs—they offer exciting projects and room to grow.

Best Places to Work as an Electrical Engineer

Wondering where to find the best opportunities? Here are five states where electrical engineers are in high demand—and well-compensated:

California – Home to EV manufacturing, aerospace, and renewable energy. Great salaries and plenty of openings.
Texas – A powerhouse for energy and infrastructure. Job opportunities stretch from oil & gas to clean energy.
Michigan – Ideal if you’re interested in automotive and EV battery innovation.
Washington – High pay, strong demand, and a focus on aerospace and advanced automation.
New York – Offers solid compensation and steady roles in utilities and infrastructure projects.

Why This Matters

For job seekers, these states represent strong job markets and higher-than-average pay. For employers, understanding where engineering talent is concentrated helps shape smarter recruitment strategies.

What Degree Do You Need to Become an Electrical Engineer?

Most positions require a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field, such as electronics or systems engineering. Degrees from ABET-accredited programs are preferred.

Many engineers also pursue professional certifications, such as:

Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)
Professional Engineer (PE) license
PLC or automation certifications
AutoCAD or electrical design software training

Job Outlook for Electrical Engineers

Electrical engineering isn’t just a stable career—it’s one that’s growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 9% increase in job demand by 2033, which is faster than the national average.

That means around 12,000 new job openings every year, driven by innovation in energy, automation, and advanced manufacturing.

If you’re thinking about building a future in this field, the outlook is definitely in your favor.