If you have a passion for hands-on problem-solving and a fascination with how electrical and electronic systems work, a career as an electrical engineering technologist could be a perfect fit. This dynamic field is crucial to nearly every industry, from aerospace to renewable energy. But beyond job satisfaction, what is the financial potential?
This guide will provide a data-driven breakdown of an electrical engineering technologist's salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for this role is a competitive $70,720 per year. However, this figure is just the starting point. With the right experience, location, and specialization, your earning potential can be significantly higher. Let's dive into the details.
What Does an Electrical Engineering Technologist Do?
Before we talk numbers, it's important to understand the role. Often confused with electrical engineers, electrical engineering technologists (EETs) are the practical experts who bring theoretical designs to life. While an engineer might design a new circuit or system, the technologist is responsible for:
- Building and testing prototypes of new electronic devices.
- Assembling, installing, and maintaining electrical and electronic equipment.
- Calibrating and troubleshooting systems to ensure they operate correctly.
- Analyzing and interpreting technical data and schematics.
- Modifying and repairing existing equipment.
In short, they are the indispensable link between concept and reality, using their applied knowledge to make technology work in the real world.
Average Electrical Engineering Technologist Salary
A career as an electrical engineering technologist offers a strong and stable income. Let's look at the numbers from leading sources.
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for electrical and electronic engineering technologists was $70,720 in May 2023.
Of course, a median salary only tells part of the story. The salary range provides a clearer picture of earning potential throughout a career:
- The lowest 10% of earners, likely entry-level positions, made less than $48,010.
- The highest 10% of earners, representing senior and specialized roles, earned more than $106,170.
Data from salary aggregators reinforces this range. For instance, Salary.com reports a typical salary range between $64,138 and $81,957 for a Technologist II, while Payscale shows a progression from around $55,000 for entry-level roles to over $90,000 for experienced professionals.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your specific salary will depend on a combination of factors. Understanding these variables is key to maximizing your earning potential.
### Level of Education
While an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Electrical Engineering Technology is the standard entry-level requirement, further education can significantly boost your income. A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Electrical Engineering Technology not only increases your starting salary but also qualifies you for more advanced positions in system design, project management, and specialized testing. Additionally, professional certifications, like the Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) credential offered by NICET, can demonstrate advanced expertise and lead to higher pay.
### Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most significant drivers of salary growth in this field. A typical career progression might look like this:
- Entry-Level (0-3 years): Technologists starting their careers typically focus on fundamental tasks like assembly, basic testing, and maintenance. Salaries often fall in the $55,000 to $65,000 range.
- Mid-Career (4-9 years): With proven skills, you’ll take on more complex troubleshooting, calibration, and light design-modification duties. Your salary can be expected to climb into the $68,000 to $85,000 bracket.
- Senior-Level (10+ years): Experienced technologists often supervise teams, manage complex projects, and specialize in high-demand areas. These professionals can command salaries well over $90,000, with top earners exceeding $100,000.
### Geographic Location
Where you work matters. Salaries for EETs vary significantly by state and metropolitan area, often driven by the cost of living and the concentration of high-paying industries. According to BLS data, the top-paying states for this profession include:
- New Mexico: ($96,870 average)
- District of Columbia: ($94,180 average)
- California: ($88,680 average)
- Alaska: ($87,700 average)
- Washington: ($84,790 average)
Working in a major metropolitan area with a strong tech, defense, or manufacturing sector will generally yield higher pay than in a rural region.
### Company Type and Industry
The industry you work in has a direct impact on your paycheck. The BLS identifies several top-paying industries for electrical engineering technologists:
- Federal Government: ($95,290 median)
- Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing: ($83,230 median)
- Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution: ($82,900 median)
- Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing: ($72,790 median)
Government, aerospace, and utility sectors often offer higher salaries due to the critical nature of the work and the specialized skills required.
### Area of Specialization
As technology advances, specialization becomes increasingly valuable. Developing deep expertise in a high-demand niche can make you a more sought-after candidate and boost your earning power. Lucrative specializations include:
- Semiconductor Manufacturing: Working with the complex machinery that fabricates microchips.
- Power Systems & Renewable Energy: Focusing on the generation, transmission, and distribution of energy, especially in the growing green energy sector.
- Automation and Control Systems: Designing and maintaining the robotic and automated systems used in modern manufacturing.
- Telecommunications: Working on the infrastructure for mobile networks, satellites, and fiber optics.
- Avionics: Specializing in the electronic systems used in aircraft and spacecraft.
Job Outlook
The future for electrical engineering technologists is stable and promising. The BLS projects employment in this field to grow 2 percent from 2022 to 2032. While this rate is about average, it translates into a significant number of job openings—approximately 10,700 per year.
These openings will arise not just from new job creation but also from the need to replace workers who retire or transition to other occupations. The demand will be driven by ongoing innovation in consumer electronics, telecommunications, automation, medical technology, and the nationwide push for upgrading the energy grid.
Conclusion: A Rewarding Path Forward
A career as an electrical engineering technologist is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to be at the forefront of technological innovation. With a strong median salary and numerous pathways for growth, it offers a financially sound and professionally rewarding future.
For prospective students and professionals, the key takeaways are clear:
- Strong Foundation: A solid education is your launchpad.
- Experience Pays: Dedication and hands-on experience are directly rewarded with higher pay.
- Be Strategic: Your choice of location, industry, and specialization can significantly accelerate your earning potential.
For those with a knack for applied science and a desire for a stable career, the field of electrical engineering technology is an excellent and lucrative path to consider.