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Electrical Engineering Technician

Overview and Key Facts

group of engineering technicians
Education
Education
Associate's degree
Median Pay
Median Pay
$77,180
Job Growth
Job Growth
0.60%
(Below US Average)
Jobs in 2034
Jobs in 2034
94,300

What Do They Do?

An electrical engineering technician could...

 
smart watch on wrist
Build a prototype of a new smart watch with Bluetooth technologies so it can be tested and modified.
close up of power distribution panel
Wire and set up test equipment at power plants.
electronic repair
Help conduct failure-analysis tests on electronics returned to stores by customers.
electronic toothbrush
Assist an engineer in developing a new electric toothbrush.
 
smart watch on wrist close up of power distribution panel electronic repair electronic toothbrush

Overview Listen to this section

Electrical engineering technicians help design, test, and manufacture electrical and electronic equipment. These people are part of the team of engineers and research scientists that keep our high-tech world going and moving forward.
Watch this video to learn about the opportunities available to somebody pursuing a career in electrical engineering technology.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_Iy34hFITE

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of an Electrical Engineering Technician?


  1. Critical Thinking: ?
  2. Reading Comprehension: ?
  3. Complex Problem Solving: ?
  4. Active Listening: ?
  5. Troubleshooting: ?
More skills...

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks an Electrical Engineering Technician might do:
  • Modify, maintain, or repair electronics equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
  • Replace defective components or parts, using hand tools and precision instruments.
  • Set up and operate specialized or standard test equipment to diagnose, test, or analyze the performance of electronic components, assemblies, or systems.
  • Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components.
  • Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions, working with manufacturers or field representatives as necessary to procure replacement parts.
  • Assemble electrical systems or prototypes, using hand tools or measuring instruments.
  • Review electrical engineering plans to ensure adherence to design specifications and compliance with applicable electrical codes and standards.
  • Assemble, test, or maintain circuitry or electronic components, according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, or knowledge of electronics, using hand or power tools.
  • Review existing electrical engineering criteria to identify necessary revisions, deletions, or amendments to outdated material.
  • Maintain system logs or manuals to document testing or operation of equipment.
  • Select electronics equipment, components, or systems to meet functional specifications.
  • Calculate design specifications or cost, material, and resource estimates, and prepare project schedules and budgets.
  • Educate equipment operators on the proper use of equipment.
  • Supervise the installation or operation of electronic equipment or systems.
  • Compile and maintain records documenting engineering schematics, installed equipment, installation or operational problems, resources used, repairs, or corrective action performed.
  • Modify electrical prototypes, parts, assemblies, or systems to correct functional deviations.
  • Integrate software or hardware components, using computer, microprocessor, or control architecture.
  • Procure parts and maintain inventory and related documentation.
  • Participate in training or continuing education activities to stay abreast of engineering or industry advances.
  • Research equipment or component needs, sources, competitive prices, delivery times, or ongoing operational costs.
  • Provide user applications or engineering support or recommendations for new or existing equipment with regard to installation, upgrades, or enhancements.
  • Specify, coordinate, or conduct quality control or quality assurance programs or procedures.
  • Produce electronics drawings or other graphics representing industrial control, instrumentation, sensors, or analog or digital telecommunications networks, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
  • Conduct statistical studies to analyze or compare production costs for sustainable or nonsustainable designs.
  • Construct and evaluate electrical components for consumer electronics applications such as fuel cells for consumer electronic devices, power saving devices for computers or televisions, or energy efficient power chargers.
  • Participate in the development or testing of electrical aspects of new green technologies, such as lighting, optical data storage devices, and energy efficient televisions.
  • Review, develop, or prepare maintenance standards.

Salary & Job Openings

Median Salary (Yearly Pay)

Tap or scroll over map to see median salaries for each state

Future Jobs

Blast-Off:

How Will Electrical Engineering Technician Jobs Grow by 2034?
Projected % Growth
Rapid growth
(10% or higher)
Much faster than average
(7% - 10%)
Faster than average
(5% - 7%)
About as fast as average
(3% - 5%)
Slower than average
(0% - 3%)
Decreasing
Average of all U.S. jobs (5.3%)
Electrical Engineering Technician jobs (0.60%)
Source: https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm

Steps to Get There: Becoming an Electrical Engineering Technician

High School Subjects to Study

Aim to study the yellow-shaded subjects.
Math
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Statistics
Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Environmental Science
Physiology
Bio-Medical / Biotech
IT &
Engineering
Computer Science
Applied Technology
Drafting & CAD Training
Core
English
Foreign Language
Business
Psychology / Sociology

Career Pathway Listen to this section

Most electrical engineering technicians enter the occupation with an associate's degree in electrical engineering technology. Training is available at technical institutes, community colleges, extension divisions of colleges and universities, public and private vocational-technical schools, and in the Armed Forces. Because the type and quality of training programs vary considerably, prospective students should carefully investigate training programs before enrolling.

Other training in technical areas may be obtained in the Armed Forces. Many military technical training programs are highly regarded by employers. However, skills acquired in military programs are often narrowly focused and may be of limited applicability in civilian industry, which often requires broader training. Therefore, some additional training may be needed, depending on the acquired skills and the kind of job.

Although employers usually do not require electrical engineering technicians to be certified, such certification may provide job seekers a competitive advantage. The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies has established voluntary certification programs for several engineering technology specialties. Certification is available at various levels, each level combining a written examination in a specialty with a certain amount of job-related experience, a supervisory evaluation, and a recommendation.

Electrical engineering technicians usually begin by performing routine duties under the close supervision of an experienced electrical engineering technician, electrical engineering technologist, electrical engineer, or scientist. As they gain experience, they are given more difficult assignments with only general supervision. Some electrical engineering technicians eventually become supervisors.

Education- Typical Degree Needed After High School Listen to this section

Degree
Post
high school credential
AA
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctoral or Professional Degree

Typical degree for an entry-level position: Associate's degree ? Types of Degrees and Credentials

The minimum degree required is an associate's degree in electrical engineering technology. Although it may be possible to qualify for certain engineering technician jobs without formal training, most employers prefer to hire someone with at least a 2-year associate's degree in electrical engineering technology. People with college courses in science, engineering, and mathematics may qualify for some positions, but may need additional specialized training and experience. Prospective electrical engineering technicians should take as many high school science and math courses as possible to prepare for programs in electrical engineering technology after high school.

Companies That Hire Electrical Engineering Technicians

Try it Out with an Activity or Project

STEM Activities

STEM activities are fun hands-on explorations that usually take from 10 minutes to one hour and use readily available household or classroom materials while introducing you to STEM concepts common in this career.

Science Project Ideas

Project Ideas are in-depth STEM explorations that have a strong focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data suitable for investigating the scientific method or the engineering design process.

On the Job

Nature of the Work

Electrical engineering technicians use the principles and theories of science, engineering, and mathematics to solve technical problems in research and development, manufacturing, sales, construction, inspection, and maintenance. Their work is more narrowly focused and application-oriented than that of scientists and engineers. Many electrical engineering technicians assist engineers and scientists, especially in research and development. Others work in quality control, inspecting products and processes, conducting tests, or collecting data. In manufacturing, they may assist in product design, development, or production.

Electrical engineering technicians who work in research and development build or set up equipment; prepare and conduct experiments; collect data; calculate or record results; and help engineers or scientists in other ways, such as making prototype versions of newly designed equipment. They assist in design work, often using computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) equipment. Electrical engineering technicians help to design, develop, test, and manufacture electrical and electronic equipment such as communication equipment; radar, industrial, and medical monitoring or control devices; navigational equipment; and computers. They may work in product evaluation and testing, using measuring and diagnostic devices to adjust, test, and repair equipment.

Work Environment

Most electrical engineering technicians work 40 hours a week in laboratories, offices, manufacturing or industrial plants, or on construction sites. Some may be exposed to hazards from equipment, chemicals, or toxic materials.

More Information

Ask Questions

Do you have a specific question about a career as an Electrical Engineering Technician that isn't answered on this page? Post your question on the Science Buddies Ask an Expert Forum.

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