Occupations17-3023.00

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

Median annual pay
$77,180

BLS, 2024

Employment
93,700

U.S., 2024

Ten-year outlook
+0.6%

2024–34

Annual openings
8,400

Projected average

The work

Core tasks

  1. 01Modify, maintain, or repair electronics equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
  2. 02Replace defective components or parts, using hand tools and precision instruments.
  3. 03Set up and operate specialized or standard test equipment to diagnose, test, or analyze the performance of electronic components, assemblies, or systems.
  4. 04Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components.
  5. 05Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions, working with manufacturers or field representatives as necessary to procure replacement parts.
  6. 06Assemble electrical systems or prototypes, using hand tools or measuring instruments.
  7. 07Review electrical engineering plans to ensure adherence to design specifications and compliance with applicable electrical codes and standards.
  8. 08Assemble, test, or maintain circuitry or electronic components, according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, or knowledge of electronics, using hand or power tools.
  9. 09Review existing electrical engineering criteria to identify necessary revisions, deletions, or amendments to outdated material.
  10. 10Maintain system logs or manuals to document testing or operation of equipment.
  11. 11Select electronics equipment, components, or systems to meet functional specifications.
  12. 12Calculate design specifications or cost, material, and resource estimates, and prepare project schedules and budgets.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive ListeningWritingSpeakingActive LearningMonitoringMathematicsLearning StrategiesScience

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading

U.S. employment is projected to move from 93,700 in 2024 to 94,300 in 2034, a +0.6% change.

BLS projects an average of 8,400 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.