Occupation Summary

Electrical Engineers

O*NET 17-2071.00

Description:

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

Annual Wages:
$110,204.00
Employment Rate:
Employment is expected to increase by 21.44%.
Education Level:
Bachelor's Degree. According to O*Net, the majority of people employed in this occupation have this level of education.
Endorsement:
STEM

  1. Confer with engineers, customers, or others to discuss existing or potential engineering projects or products.
  2. Design, implement, maintain, or improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, or domestic purposes.
  3. Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform engineering tasks.
  4. Direct or coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, or testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, or customer requirements.
  5. Perform detailed calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction, or installation standards or specifications.
  6. Plan or implement research methodology or procedures to apply principles of electrical theory to engineering projects.
  7. Prepare specifications for purchases of materials or equipment.
  8. Supervise or train project team members, as necessary.
  9. Investigate or test vendors' or competitors' products.
  10. Oversee project production efforts to assure projects are completed on time and within budget.
  11. Prepare technical drawings, specifications of electrical systems, or topographical maps to ensure that installation and operations conform to standards and customer requirements.
  12. Plan layout of electric power generating plants or distribution lines or stations.
  13. Assist in developing capital project programs for new equipment or major repairs.
  14. Compile data and write reports regarding existing or potential electrical engineering studies or projects.
  15. Collect data relating to commercial or residential development, population, or power system interconnection to determine operating efficiency of electrical systems.
  16. Conduct field surveys or study maps, graphs, diagrams, or other data to identify and correct power system problems.
  17. Design electrical systems or components that minimize electric energy requirements, such as lighting systems designed to account for natural lighting.
  18. Develop systems that produce electricity with renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, or biofuels.
  19. Integrate electrical systems with renewable energy systems to improve overall efficiency.
  20. Estimate labor, material, or construction costs for budget preparation purposes.
  21. Investigate customer or public complaints to determine the nature and extent of problems.
  22. Inspect completed installations and observe operations to ensure conformance to design and equipment specifications and compliance with operational, safety, or environmental standards.


National Industry Employment Patterns


Industry % of Electrical Engineers employed Annual Growth Rate
Architectural, engineering, and related services 22 0.88
Electric power generation, transmission and distribution 10.1 -0.43
Electronic instrument manufacturing 6.9 0.23
Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 6.4 0.25
Scientific research and development services 4.5 0.57
Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing 4.2 0.85
Computer systems design and related services 4 1.93
Building equipment contractors 2.8 0.00
Electrical equipment manufacturing 2.6 2.55


Labor Market Information


2022 Statewide average hourly wage $52.98
2022 National average hourly wage $54.83
2020 National employment 188,000
2020 Texas employment 13,790
Texas projected employment by 2030 16,747
Texas projected annual employment and Turnover openings through 2030 1,271




TEXAS COUNTY MAP BY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AREA
* Due to confidentiality rules, not all regions may have the data displayed. The sum of all the regions may not be equal to the state total.


Top 10 Relevant Knowledge Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
92.80%
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
85.80%
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
80.40%
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
80.40%
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
73.20%
Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
67.20%
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
65.40%
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
61.60%
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
59.40%
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
58.40%


Top 10 Relevant Skill Areas Relevant Importance Levels
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
77.60%
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
77.60%
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
77.60%
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
77.60%
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
77.60%
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
75.00%
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
70.00%
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
70.00%
Operations Analysis
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
65.00%
Mathematics
Using mathematics to solve problems.
65.00%


Top 10 Relevant Abilities Relevant Importance Levels
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
80.00%
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
80.00%
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
80.00%
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
80.00%
Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
77.60%
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
77.60%
Category Flexibility
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
77.60%
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
75.00%
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
75.00%
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
75.00%


  • Working with Computers
    -- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Getting Information
    -- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems
    -- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Analyzing Data or Information
    -- Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
    -- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Other Activities


  • Achievement
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
  • Working Conditions
    - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.



Tools

Accelerometers: Accelerometers;

Capacitance meters: Inductance capacitance resistance LCR meters;

Computer servers: Computer servers;

Corona treaters: Cylindrical corona testers;

Diffractometers: Diffractometers;

Digital camcorders or video cameras: Digital video cameras;

Electrical frequency meters: Noise figure meters;

Electronic measuring probes: Parameter analyzers;

Flow sensors: Electrical flow meters;

Frequency analyzers: Spectrum analyzers;

Frequency calibrator or simulator: Frequency drives; Signal analyzers;

Frequency counters or timer or dividers: Frequency counters;

Ion implantation equipment: Reactive ion etch systems;

Isolation glove boxes: Glove box systems;

Laboratory balances: Microbalances;

Laboratory evaporators: Filament evaporators; Metal evaporation systems; Vacuum system/thermal evaporators;

Laboratory safety furnaces: Oxidation furnaces; Diffusion furnaces; Annealing furnaces;

Laser measuring systems: Laser ranging systems;

Laser printers: Laser printers;

Level generators: Pulse generators;

Magnetic spin bars or stir bars or stirring beads: Spinners;

Metal markers or holders: Electrochemical etching devices;

Microwave core equipment: Microwave automatic load-pull tuners;

Multimeters: Multimeters;

Network analyzers: Network analyzers;

Notebook computers: Laptop computers;

Oscillographs: Sweep oscillators;

Oscilloscopes: Digital oscilloscopes; Mixed signal oscilloscopes; Sampling oscilloscopes;

Personal computers: Personal computers;

Plotter printers: Plotters;

Power meters: Microwave power meters;

Pyrometers: Pyrometers;

Reactors: Plasma reactors;

Scanning electron microscopes: Scanning electron microscopes SEM;

Scanning probe microscopes: Scanning tunneling microscopes STM; Atomic force microscopes;

Semiconductor process systems: Electron beam evaporators; Fog chambers; Linearization testbeds; Low pressure chemical vapor deposition LPCVD systems; Molecular beam epitaxy MBE systems; Photolithography equipment; Plasma ashers; Spin-coaters; Tube etchers; Vacuum chambers; Wafer steppers; Wet chemical clean benches; Wire bonders;

Signal generators: Signal generators; Vector signal generators; Synthesized continuous wave CW generators; Programmable function generators;

Spectrographs: Imaging spectrographs;

Spectrometers: Electrochemical CV dopant profilers; Auger electron spectrometers; Photoluminescence spectrometers; Spectrometers; Secondary ion mass spectrometers SIMS; X ray photoemission spectrometers;

Surface testers: Profilometers;

Temperature cycling chambers or thermal cyclers: Rapid thermal annealers RTA;

Thermocouples: Thermocouples;

Thickness measuring devices: Ellipsometers;

Transistor circuit testers: Universal microwave transistor test fixtures;

Transistor transistor logic TTL: Pattern generator systems;

Tube furnaces: Doping tubes; Tube furnaces; Oxidation tubes; Vertical furnaces;

Voltage or current meters: Pulsed current-voltage IV analyzer; Digital voltmeters DVM;

X ray generators: X ray guns;


Technology

Analytical or scientific software: APLAC; Automated material handling software; Availability prediction modeling software; Circuit simulation software; Digital timing diagram editing software; Dynamic object-oriented requirements system DOORS; Electromagnetic analysis software; Electronic engineering calculator; Embedded systems testing software; Failure mode and effects analysis FMEA software; Failure mode effects and criticality analysis FMECA software; Failure reporting analysis and corrective action FRACAS software; Fault modeling software; Fault tree analysis FTA software; Finite difference time domain FDTD software; Finite element method FEM software; Functional verification software; Hewlett-Packard HP Semiconductor Parameter Analyzer; Isograph Markov; Life cycle cost software; MathWorks Simulink; Matrix calculation software; Mean time between failures MBTF software; Mean time to failure MTTF software; Mentor Graphics ModelSim; Logic synthesis software; Optimization software; Microwave circuit simulation software; Minitab; Power analysis software; Powersim PSIM; ReliaSoft Weibull++ 6; Reliability analysis software; Signal integrity simulation software; Simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis SPICE; Synopsys Design Compiler; Synopsys PrimeTime; Systems analysis programs for hands on integrated reliability evaluation software SAPHIRE; Tektronix EZ-TEST; Test automation software; The MathWorks MATLAB; Time and motion analysis software;

Computer aided design CAD software: Physical design software; Printed circuit board design software; PTC Creo Parametric; OrCAD Capture; Schematic design entry software; Zuken E3.schematic; MAGIC; Mentor Graphics software; Keysight Technologies Advanced Design System; Floor planning software; Field programmable gate array FPGA design software; Electronic design automation EDA software; Computer aided design CAD software; Computer aided design and drafting CADD software; Computer aided design and drafting software CADD; Dassault Systemes CATIA; Dassault Systemes SolidWorks; Cadence Allegro Design Entry Capture and Capture CIS; Cadence Encounter Test; Chip design software; Bentley MicroStation; Autodesk AutoCAD; Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D; Autodesk Revit;

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software: Computer aided manufacturing CAM software; Rapid prototyping software;

Configuration management software: Perforce Helix software;

Data base user interface and query software: Microsoft SQL Server;

Development environment software: Integrated development environment IDE software; Hardware description language HDL; Eclipse IDE; Ada; Advanced boolean expression language ABEL; Altera hardware description language AHDL; C; National Instruments LabVIEW; Programmable logic controller PLC code generation software; Microsoft Visual Basic; Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript; Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA; Microsoft Visual Studio; Verilog; Very high-speed integrated circuit VHSIC hardware description language VHDL;

Electronic mail software: IBM Notes;

Enterprise resource planning ERP software: SAP software;

File versioning software: Apache Subversion SVN;

Financial analysis software: Oracle E-Business Suite Financials;

Geographic information system: ESRI ArcGIS software; ETAP;

Graphics or photo imaging software: SmugMug Flickr;

Industrial control software: Programmable logic controller PLC software; Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software; AVEVA InTouch HMI;

Object or component oriented development software: C#; C++; JHDL; Python; Perl; Sun Microsystems Java;

Office suite software: Microsoft Office software;

Operating system software: Linux; Bash; UNIX; Microsoft Windows; Microsoft Windows Server; Shell script;

Presentation software: Microsoft PowerPoint;

Process mapping and design software: Microsoft Visio;

Program testing software: Debugging software; Defect tracking software;

Project management software: Microsoft Project; Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management;

Requirements analysis and system architecture software: Unified modeling language UML; Requirements management software;

Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel;

WAN switching software and firmware: ATD protocol; X.25 Protocol;

Word processing software: Microsoft Word; Microsoft OneNote;


Related O*NET occupational titles for Electrical Engineers include:
  • 17-3023.00 Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • 49-2094.00 Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
  • 49-2095.00 Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
  • 17-2072.00 Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
  • 17-2112.00 Industrial Engineers
  • 17-3027.00 Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • 17-2141.00 Mechanical Engineers
  • 17-2199.05 Mechatronics Engineers
  • 17-2199.06 Microsystems Engineers
  • 17-2199.11 Solar Energy Systems Engineers


Sources of Additional Information
  • For more information about general engineering education and career resources, visit: American Society for Engineering Education
  • Technology Student Association
  • For more information about licensure as an electrical or electronics engineer, visit: National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
  • National Society of Professional Engineers
  • International Society of Automation
  • For more information about accredited engineering programs, visit: ABET
  • For more information about engineering summer camps, visit: Engineering Education Service Center
  • Electrical Engineers
  • Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
  • Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists

  • Contact Texas Workforce Commission
    Labor Market and Career Information  |  101 E. 15th Street, Annex Room 0252  |  Austin, Texas 78778
    Official Website  |  1-800-822-PLAN (7526)  |  512.936.3200

    ** The information in this report may be derived from many sources like O*NET, BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), OOH (Occupational Outlook Handbook), and Career One Stop.