Arizona State University issued the following announcement on July 21.
Electrical engineers are in high demand with jobs available in a variety of fields. Learn about what it takes to join the industry.
Careers in electrical engineering continue to be in high demand s the world becomes increasingly digital. Technology constantly changes and advances, and trained, skilled, agile electrical engineers will be needed to adapt to the needs of that ever-changing technology.
What do electrical engineers do?
Simply put, electrical engineers design, develop and test electrical equipment and systems. Their work ranges from managing the largest power grids to designing the smallest electrical components in cell phones.
"Electrical engineering is very broad, with many opportunities in integrated circuit design and manufacture, signal processing and machine learning, controls and robotics, telecommunication and antenna design, and electrical power generation and delivery," said Dr. David Allee, professor at the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University.
A few examples of the tasks involved in electrical engineering include creating algorithms to better process digital signals, improving complex electrical devices, designing circuits systems and developing transistors.
Electrical engineers are needed in a wide variety of fields, including:
- Auto industry.
- Energy systems.
- Health care.
- Mobile networking.
- Renewable energy.
- Robotics development.
- Space exploration.
- Sustainability.
- Telecommunications.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for engineers is projected to continue growing over the next several years — about 3% from 2019-2029.
Job growth for electrical and electronics engineers is projected to occur largely in professional, scientific and technical services firms, as more companies are expected to tap the expertise of engineers for projects involving electronic devices and systems.
The rapid pace of technological innovation will also create demand for electrical and electronics engineers to develop sophisticated consumer electronics such as virtual reality tools.
The bureau also notes that in research and development, engineering expertise will be needed to design electrical distribution systems related to new technologies, and electrical engineers will be essential in new developments including semiconductors and communications technologies.
"Electrical engineering is a rewarding and challenging career where your skills help build a better world,” he said. “Electrical engineering salaries are competitive as well.”
The salary range for electrical engineers is approximately $63,000–$155,000 per year. Here is the breakdown for salaries for electrical engineers in top industries:
- Research and development in the physical, engineering and life sciences: $116,050
- Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing: $107,680
- Navigational, measuring, electromedical and control instruments manufacturing: $104,480
- Electric power generation, transmission and distribution: $102,510
- Engineering services: $98,440
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