For individuals with a passion for electronics, problem-solving, and hands-on technical work, a career as an electrical engineering technician is a compelling choice. This dynamic field offers a stable career path that is critical to innovation across nearly every industry. But beyond job satisfaction, what is the earning potential?
An electrical engineering technician can expect to earn a competitive salary, with a national median wage of over $70,000 per year. While this figure is a strong starting point, your actual earnings can vary significantly based on your experience, location, and specialization.
This comprehensive guide will break down the salary you can expect as an electrical engineering technician, explore the key factors that influence your pay, and provide a look at the future job outlook for this essential profession.
What Does an Electrical Engineering Technician Do?
Electrical engineering technicians are the crucial link between the theoretical world of engineers and the practical application of technology. They use their specialized knowledge to assist electrical engineers in designing, developing, testing, and manufacturing electrical and electronic equipment. They are the builders, the testers, and the troubleshooters who bring concepts to life.
Key responsibilities often include:
- Assembling and building electronic prototypes and circuits from schematic diagrams.
- Setting up and operating test equipment to evaluate the performance of developmental parts and products.
- Recording, analyzing, and interpreting test data, often identifying and resolving equipment malfunctions.
- Calibrating and maintaining electrical instruments and testing equipment.
- Assisting with the design and layout of printed circuit boards (PCBs).
Average Electrical Engineering Technician Salary
When analyzing compensation, it's important to look at the median salary, as it represents the middle ground and is less skewed by extremely high or low earners.
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median annual wage for electrical and electronic engineering technicians was $70,890 as of May 2023.
This single number, however, doesn't tell the full story. A technician's salary exists on a spectrum influenced by several factors. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the typical salary range:
- The lowest 10% of earners made less than $45,670. These often represent entry-level positions in lower-cost-of-living areas.
- The top 10% of earners brought in more than $104,120. These are typically senior-level technicians with specialized skills in high-demand industries or locations.
Data from salary aggregator Salary.com corroborates this, reporting a typical salary range for an Electrical Engineering Technician in the United States between $59,575 and $92,308 as of May 2024.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your specific salary is not set in stone. By strategically managing your career, you can significantly increase your earning potential. Here are the five most important factors that will impact your paycheck.
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Level of Education
The standard entry point for this career is an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Electrical Engineering Technology or a related electronics field. This two-year degree provides the foundational knowledge of circuit theory, prototyping, and diagnostic techniques required for the job.
However, further education can open doors to higher pay and more complex roles. A Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology (BSET) can make you a more competitive candidate for positions in research and development or team leadership, which often come with higher salaries.
Furthermore, professional certifications can provide a significant boost. Certifications from organizations like ETA International (e.g., Certified Electronics Technician) validate your specific skills and can make you a more valuable asset to an employer.
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Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most powerful drivers of salary growth. As you accumulate hands-on experience, your ability to troubleshoot complex problems, work independently, and mentor junior technicians increases, making you more valuable.
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Technicians just starting out can expect to earn on the lower end of the scale, typically in the $50,000 to $60,000 range, depending on the other factors listed here.
- Mid-Career (3-9 years): With solid experience, a technician can expect to earn near or above the national median, typically in the $65,000 to $80,000 range.
- Senior/Experienced (10+ years): Senior technicians with extensive experience, particularly those with specialized skills or in supervisory roles, can command salaries well into the $80,000s, $90,000s, and even over $100,000.
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Geographic Location
Where you work matters—a lot. Salaries are often adjusted to reflect the local cost of living and the regional demand for technical talent. Metropolitan areas with a high concentration of tech, manufacturing, or defense companies typically offer the highest wages.
According to BLS data, the top-paying states for electrical engineering technicians include:
1. California: ($88,100 average)
2. New Mexico: ($87,700 average)
3. Washington: ($82,920 average)
4. Alaska: ($81,620 average)
5. District of Columbia: ($81,390 average)
Conversely, salaries in rural areas or states with fewer technology-focused industries will likely be closer to the lower end of the national range.
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Company Type
The industry you work in plays a significant role in your earning potential. Technicians working in high-margin or cutting-edge fields often earn more. The BLS highlights the following as the top-paying industries for this profession:
- Scientific Research and Development Services: $90,920 (median)
- Federal Government: $89,170 (median)
- Natural Gas Distribution: $87,460 (median)
- Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing: $81,380 (median)
Working for large, established companies in aerospace, defense, telecommunications, or semiconductor manufacturing often leads to higher pay and better benefits packages compared to smaller firms.
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Area of Specialization
Within the broad field of electronics, certain specializations are in higher demand and command premium pay. Developing expertise in one of these areas can make you an indispensable part of a team. High-paying specializations include:
- Semiconductor/Microelectronics: Working in the fabrication and testing of integrated circuits is a highly technical and lucrative niche.
- Automation and Robotics: Technicians who can build, test, and maintain the electronic systems for industrial robots are in high demand in modern manufacturing.
- Telecommunications: Expertise in radio frequency (RF) technology, fiber optics, and cellular network equipment is highly valued.
- Power Systems: With the grid modernization and the rise of renewable energy, technicians specializing in power generation, transmission, and distribution systems are critical.
- Research & Development (R&D): R&D technicians work alongside engineers on next-generation products, a role that requires advanced skills and often pays a premium.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for electrical and electronic engineering technicians is stable. The BLS projects job growth of 2% between 2022 and 2032, which is considered about average.
While this percentage seems modest, it translates to approximately 10,700 job openings each year, on average, over the decade. Most of these openings will result from the need to replace workers who retire or transition to different occupations. Demand will be strongest for technicians who keep their skills current with the latest technologies, particularly in fields like automation, renewable energy, and medical device manufacturing.
Conclusion
A career as an electrical engineering technician offers a promising blend of engaging, hands-on work and strong financial reward. With a median salary exceeding $70,000 and a clear path to earning six figures, it represents a fantastic opportunity for technically-minded individuals.
Your earning potential is not static; it is something you can actively cultivate. By pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree, gaining valuable experience, targeting high-paying industries and locations, and developing specialized skills, you can build a highly successful and lucrative career. For those with a passion for technology and a desire for a stable profession, the field of electrical engineering technology is well worth a closer look.