Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

SOC code 17-3023 · O*NET-SOC 17-3023.00 · Medium preparation needed · Science and engineering

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$78,190

a year

Hourly

$37.59

per hour

10th$49,510Median$78,19090th$115,700

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$80,680

$38.79 per hour

Middle 50%

$61,610 – $97,650

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$49,510 – $115,700

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

95,130

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $49,510; $23.80/hr
25th percentile: $61,610; $29.62/hr
Median percentile: $78,190; $37.59/hr
75th percentile: $97,650; $46.95/hr
90th percentile: $115,700; $55.62/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+1%

Growing about as fast as average

93,700

jobs in 2024

94,300

projected for 2034

About 600 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What do electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians do?

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Install or maintain electrical control systems, industrial automation systems, or electrical equipment, including control circuits, variable speed drives, or programmable logic controllers.
Review electrical engineering plans to ensure adherence to design specifications and compliance with applicable electrical codes and standards.
Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components.
Specify, coordinate, or conduct quality control or quality assurance programs or procedures.
Assemble, test, or maintain circuitry or electronic components, according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, or knowledge of electronics, using hand or power tools.
Maintain system logs or manuals to document testing or operation of equipment.
Modify, maintain, or repair electronics equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
Procure parts and maintain inventory and related documentation.

How to qualify for this work

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.

Common questions

How much does an electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians earn?

The national median is $78,190 a year. The full range runs from $49,510 at the 10th percentile to $115,700 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Is electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 1% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension3.9/5
Critical Thinking3.8/5
Active Listening3.4/5
Speaking3.4/5
Writing3.3/5
Monitoring3.3/5

Knowledge areas

Engineering and Technology4.5/5
Computers and Electronics4.0/5
Design4.0/5
English Language3.9/5
Mechanical3.4/5
Mathematics3.4/5
Production and Processing3.3/5
Telecommunications3.0/5

Transferable strengths: Troubleshooting, Repairing, Systems Evaluation, Systems Analysis.