Electronic Engineer Employment and Outlook

Electronic Engineer Employment and Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were about 294,000 electronic engineers employed in 2010. About 14 percent worked for the federal government, 11 percent were employed with wired telecommunications carriers and electronic manufacturing firms and 8 percent held jobs in navigational, electromedical instruments manufacturing, architectural and engineering related services.

The BLS also reports that there will be slower than average growth for electrical engineers. There is only a 6 percent expected increase in the demands for these professionals from 2010 until 2020. This is mainly because of the decline in the manufacturing industry where they are mostly employed.

However, there are good projections for electrical engineers who work on an as-needed basis rather than those who are permanently employed. Similarly, there is a good future ahead for electrical engineers who specialize in research and development.

Typical Electrical Engineer Salary

In 2010, electrical engineers earned as much as $84,540 in median annual wages according to the BLS. The top 10 percent highest earners received about $128,610 while the bottom 10 percent earners took home about $54,030. Among the highest paying electrical engineer jobs in industries employing the largest number of these professionals come from semiconductor and electronic manufacturing companies.

Employees in these firms usually earn about $92,070 on average. This was followed by scientific research and development firms that paid $90,970 in median annual wages.

Electrical engineers with a master’s degree or doctoral degree typically receive higher salaries than those who only obtained a bachelor’s degree. Like any other engineering career, salary rates depend on the employer, location, years of experience and educational background.

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