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Electrical engineer: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 23, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$120,630median pay per year, or $58.00 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $76,550lowest 10% earn less
  2. $92,83025th percentile
  3. $120,630median
  4. $152,95075th percentile
  5. $184,300top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[6]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[2]

Electrical engineers earned a median of $120,630 a year in May 2025, well over twice the typical pay for all US jobs[1][2]. The usual way in is a bachelor's degree in engineering, with no license or prior work experience needed to start[3][4][5].

Job growth, 2025–35
+9.9%[7]
Openings per year
11,400[8]
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree[3]

How much do electrical engineers make?

The median wage for electrical engineers was $120,630 a year, or $58.00 an hour, in May 2025[1]. Half of all workers in the job earned more than that and half earned less[1]. The average (mean) was a little higher, at $125,100 a year or $60.15 an hour[9]. For comparison, the median for all US occupations was $50,980[2].

Pay varies a lot from person to person. These figures are percentiles, which are cut-off points, not starting salaries[10].

Percentile Per year Per hour
10th $76,550 $36.80
25th $92,830 $44.63
50th (median) $120,630 $58.00
75th $152,950 $73.53
90th $184,300 $88.61

The table draws on BLS wage data[1][6][11]. In plain terms, the lowest-paid 10% earned less than $76,550, and the top 10% earned more than $184,300[6]. The middle half of workers earned between $92,830 and $152,950[6].

These wages cover full-time and part-time employees paid a wage or salary[12]. They leave out the self-employed, and they leave out what employers spend on benefits like health coverage and retirement plans[12]. Just 0.5% of people in this job worked for themselves in 2025, so this gap is small for this job[13].

Pay by state and city

New Mexico had the highest state median at $158,520 a year, followed by California at $144,040, the District of Columbia at $143,000, New Hampshire at $135,710 and Washington at $132,710[14]. At the other end of the published list, Montana's median was $87,360[14].

The biggest job markets are not always the best paid. California had the most electrical engineering jobs with 24,230, then Texas with 20,870, Michigan with 10,840, Florida with 9,220 and New York with 8,770[15].

Among metro areas with 100 or more of these jobs, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, led with a median of $187,060[16]. Next came San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA ($166,030), Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA ($164,880), Albuquerque, NM ($163,720) and Vallejo, CA ($160,060)[16].

The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area had the most jobs of any metro, 8,970, with a median of $139,780[17]. It was followed by New York-Newark-Jersey City (6,290 jobs, median $128,340) and Detroit-Warren-Dearborn (6,060 jobs, median $114,390)[17].

Show median pay in 48 states and DC
StateMedian per yearJobs
New Mexico[14]$158,5202,560
California$144,04024,230
District of Columbia$143,000330
New Hampshire$135,7101,600
Washington$132,7107,610
Texas$129,45020,870
Idaho$129,3401,000
Massachusetts$127,7205,040
Delaware$126,970660
Alaska$125,970350
Alabama$125,6304,600
New Jersey$125,3702,940
Oregon$125,1602,540
Maryland$125,1504,650
Louisiana$123,710990
Colorado$120,7604,200
Virginia$119,0307,260
New York$119,0108,770
Missouri$118,6702,410
Maine$114,6201,150
West Virginia$113,420500
Wyoming$111,740280
Vermont$111,310820
Pennsylvania$110,8206,970
North Dakota$110,810260
North Carolina$110,1307,090
Minnesota$109,5103,150
Illinois$107,8605,460
Oklahoma$107,7602,080
Nevada$107,4001,100
Nebraska$107,2601,060
Hawaii$106,3501,080
Michigan$106,07010,840
Iowa$105,8201,280
Utah$105,7201,680
Mississippi$104,9901,130
Florida$104,7809,220
Tennessee$104,4502,830
Connecticut$104,1602,930
Indiana$102,6704,000
Kansas$102,6302,100
Ohio$100,6206,360
Arizona$100,5505,370
Wisconsin$99,7003,550
South Dakota$98,980530
Kentucky$98,5501,540
South Carolina$98,4403,490
Arkansas$96,860900
Montana$87,360790

How to become an electrical engineer

BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry education, with no related work experience and no on-the-job training required[3]. The training details below come from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile, which covers electrical and electronics engineers as one wider group[18].

1) In high school, take physics plus math classes such as algebra, trigonometry and calculus[19]. Classes in engineering, digital electronics or drafting can also help[19]. 2) Earn a bachelor's degree in electrical or electronics engineering, or in a close engineering field[4]. Expect a mix of classroom, lab and field work, with subjects such as circuit theory, digital systems design and calculus[4]. 3) Get hands-on experience while you study[20]. Employers value internships and cooperative engineering programs, where students work with local businesses during their degree[20][21]. 4) Apply for entry-level jobs[5]. You do not need a license to start[5]. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master's degree[21]. 5) Later, you can move up to roles where you supervise or manage teams of engineers and technicians[22].

In an ONET survey of 20 workers, 82% said the job requires a bachelor's degree, 11% said an associate's degree and 7% said a master's degree[23]. ONET places the job in Job Zone Four, meaning considerable preparation is needed[24].

Licensing. Engineers with experience can choose to get a Professional Engineering (PE) license[5]. It lets them oversee other engineers' work, sign off on projects and offer services directly to the public[5]. A state license usually calls for an engineering degree, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, a few years or more of related work, and then a passing score on the PE exam[25]. Each state grants its own license, and some states require continuing education to keep it[26].

Skills that help. The OOH points to computer skills, including design software and programming, along with strong math, the ability to work well with others, and the drive to keep learning as technology changes[27][28][29][30].

What electrical engineers do

Electrical engineers research, design, develop and test electrical equipment and systems, and they may supervise how that equipment is built and installed[31]. The work serves commercial, industrial, military and scientific users[31]. Typical tasks include[32]:

Common job titles reported to O*NET include design engineer, electrical controls engineer, electrical project engineer and circuits engineer[33].

Where they work

According to the OOH, engineers in this wider group usually work in offices[34]. Some travel is part of the job, for example to visit a project site and look at a problem or a complex piece of equipment[34]. Most work full time[35].

In 2025 the biggest employers of this wider group were engineering services firms, with 22% of jobs, and the federal government (not counting the postal service), with 15%[36].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment of electrical engineers to rise 9.9% between 2025 and 2035, which would take it from about 199,700 jobs to 219,500[7]. That is faster than the 3.5% growth projected for all occupations[37]. The main reason given is rising demand as electrical infrastructure is upgraded and new electrical systems and technology are built[38].

About 11,400 openings are expected each year on average[8]. That number counts newly created jobs plus spots left by people who retire or change careers[8]. Each year, about 1.9% of electrical engineers leave the labor force and 2.6% move to a different occupation[39].

The projection counts (199,700 in 2025) include self-employed workers, so they differ slightly from the 198,750 wage and salary jobs in the May 2025 pay survey[40][7].

Is it a good fit?

The facts point to a job that pays well above the typical US wage, with a median of $120,630 against $50,980 for all occupations[1][2]. Getting in usually takes a bachelor's degree in engineering, and you can start without a license or prior work experience[3][4][5]. The work leans heavily on math and computer skills, so it suits people who enjoy both[27][30]. Growth of 9.9% is projected over the decade, faster than the 3.5% for all jobs[7][37]. Where you live matters too, since state medians range from $87,360 in Montana to $158,520 in New Mexico[14].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[41].

Frequently asked questions

How much does an electrical engineer make an hour?
The median hourly wage was $58.00 in May 2025[1]. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $36.80 an hour and the top 10% earned more than $88.61[11].
What degree do you need to be an electrical engineer?
BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry education[3]. The OOH says the degree is usually in electrical or electronics engineering, or another engineering field close to them[4].
Do electrical engineers need a license?
Not for entry-level jobs[5]. Experienced engineers can earn a PE license, which usually requires passing the FE exam, several years of experience and passing the PE exam[5][25].
Is electrical engineering in demand?
BLS projects 9.9% job growth from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, and about 11,400 openings a year[7][37][8].
What is the highest paying state for electrical engineers?
New Mexico had the highest state median wage, $158,520 a year in May 2025[14]. California was second at $144,040[14].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Electrical Engineers in the US was $120,630 per year and $58.00 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  3. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Electrical Engineers: education needed for entry: Bachelor's degree; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: None. BLS Employment Projections
  4. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  5. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  6. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Electrical Engineers: 10th percentile $76,550, 25th percentile $92,830, 75th percentile $152,950, 90th percentile $184,300. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  7. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Electrical Engineers is projected to grow 9.9% from 2025 to 2035, from about 199,700 to 219,500 jobs (a change of +19,800). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  8. BLS Employment Projections: about 11,400 openings for Electrical Engineers are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  9. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Electrical Engineers was $125,100 per year and $60.15 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Electrical Engineers: 10th percentile $36.80, 25th percentile $44.63, 75th percentile $73.53, 90th percentile $88.61. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS Employment Projections: 0.5% of Electrical Engineers were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  14. Median annual wage for Electrical Engineers in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Electrical Engineers jobs: California 24,230; Texas 20,870; Michigan 10,840; Florida 9,220; New York 8,770. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Electrical Engineers (areas with at least 100 jobs): San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $187,060; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $166,030; Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $164,880; Albuquerque, NM $163,720; Vallejo, CA $160,060; Manchester-Nashua, NH $159,360; Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX $145,360; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $140,210. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  17. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Electrical Engineers jobs: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 8,970 (median $139,780); New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 6,290 (median $128,340); Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI 6,060 (median $114,390); Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX 5,770 (median $131,070); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 5,720 (median $124,390); Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA 4,930 (median $140,210). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  18. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Electrical and Electronics Engineers" covers Electrical Engineers together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. O*NET 17-2071.00 survey of workers (20 respondents), education level they say is required: Bachelor's Degree 82%, Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree 11%, Master's Degree 7% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  24. O*NET 17-2071.00: Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. O*NET OnLine
  25. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  26. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  27. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. O*NET description of Electrical Engineers. O*NET OnLine
  32. O*NET task list for Electrical Engineers. O*NET OnLine
  33. O*NET 17-2071.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Circuits Engineer, Design Engineer, Electrical Controls Engineer, Electrical Design Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Electrical Project Engineer, Engineer, Instrumentation and Electrical Reliability Engineer (I&E Reliability Engineer). O*NET OnLine
  34. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  35. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  36. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of electrical and electronics engineers in 2025: Engineering services 22%; Federal government, excluding postal service 15%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  37. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  38. BLS Employment Projections, factor affecting employment of Electrical Engineers: Demand change - share increases as electrical infrastructure is updated and new electrical systems and technology are developed. BLS Employment Projections
  39. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Electrical Engineers: 1.9% of workers leave the labor force each year and 2.6% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  40. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 198,750 people were employed as Electrical Engineers in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  41. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers. The Occupational Outlook Handbook text covers a wider group of occupations than this page.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.