Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians earn a median of $78,190 per year ($37.59/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to grow 2.4% through 2035, with about 8,100 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree.
- SOC 17-3023
- Architecture and Engineering
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist and Technician in four numbers
- Median pay
- $78,190a year, or $37.59/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $50KTop 10% $116K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +2.4%Slower than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+2.4%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +2.4% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 8,10096,900 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202596.9K
- Projected 203599.2K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 96.9K Projected 2035 99.2K - Typical education
- Associate'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
Also advertised as: Communication Technician (Communication Tech), Communications Technologist, Electrical Engineering Technician (Electrical Engineering Tech), Electrical Technician (Electrical Tech), Electronic Engineering Technician (Electronic Engineering Tech), Electronic Technician (Electronic Tech).
Pay
How much do Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians make?
Every electrical and electronic engineering technologist and technician in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$78,190
Middle half earn $61,610 to $97,650
- 10th
- $49,510
- 25th
- $61,610
- 75th
- $97,650
- 90th
- $115,700
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $49,510 |
| 25th | $61,610 |
| Median | $78,190 |
| 75th | $97,650 |
| 90th | $115,700 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $78,190
- Median hourly wage
- $37.59/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $80,680
- People employed
- 95,130
Versus all US occupations
At $78,190, Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians earn 53% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $27,210 a year.
Versus architecture and engineering occupations
Inside the Architecture and Engineering group, where the middle occupation pays $104,110, this is 25% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $115,700 or more while the bottom 10% earn $49,510, a gap of 2.3×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 55% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Wyoming pays the most at $99,840, and still leads at $107,713 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Wyoming | $99,840 | $107,713 | 200 |
| 2Rhode Island | $98,600 | $96,402 | 290 |
| 3District of Columbia | $97,620 | $88,825 | 240 |
| 4Hawaii | $96,200 | $87,494 | 460 |
| 5New Mexico | $96,070 | $104,184 | 1,000 |
| 6Maryland | $95,830 | $91,302 | 2,170 |
| 7Washington | $93,930 | $87,774 | 2,540 |
| 8Alaska | $92,760 | $90,622 | 230 |
| 9Nevada | $88,160 | $88,179 | 1,140 |
| 10California | $86,090 | $77,755 | 13,450 |
Job outlook
Is Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist and Technician a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Slower than average. +2.4% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | +2.4% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Slower than average
BLS projects employment of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians to change 2.4% over 2025–2035, against 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 2,300 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 8,100 openings are projected each year, 8.4% of the 96,900 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Despite limited employment growth, about 8,100 openings for electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians work closely with electrical and electronics engineers and computer hardware engineers. These workers are needed to support the continuing integration of computer and electronics systems, such as those found in automobiles and in various portable and household products. However, as more manual tasks performed by these technologists and technicians are automated, growth in this occupation could be limited.
Getting in
How to become an Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist and Technician
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians typically need an associate’s degree. However, requirements may vary by employer.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Associate's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Some preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
Full BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entryThe work
What does an Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist and Technician 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.
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians help electrical and electronics engineers plan and develop communications equipment, computers, medical monitoring devices, or other equipment that is powered by other electricity or electric current. They often work in product evaluation and testing, using measuring and diagnostic devices to test, adjust, and repair equipment. They are also involved in assembling equipment for automation.
Day-to-day tasks
- Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components.
- Participate in training or continuing education activities to stay abreast of engineering or industry advances.
- Modify, maintain, or repair electronics equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
- Assemble, test, or maintain circuitry or electronic components, according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, or knowledge of electronics, using hand or power tools.
- Compile and maintain records documenting engineering schematics, installed equipment, installation or operational problems, resources used, repairs, or corrective action performed.
- Review electrical engineering plans to ensure adherence to design specifications and compliance with applicable electrical codes and standards.
- Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions, working with manufacturers or field representatives as necessary to procure replacement parts.
- Supervise the installation or operation of electronic equipment or systems.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians work full time. Some work day or night shifts, depending on production schedules. In the federal government, their schedules usually follow a standard workweek.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Federal government12%
- Engineering services11%
- Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing10%
- Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing8%
- Utilities7%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Federal government | 12% |
| Engineering services | 11% |
| Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing | 10% |
| Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing | 8% |
| Utilities | 7% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Reading Comprehension3.9
- Critical Thinking3.8
- Active Listening3.4
- Speaking3.4
- Writing3.3
- Monitoring3.3
- Active Learning3.1
- Mathematics2.9
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 3.9 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.8 |
| Active Listening | 3.4 |
| Speaking | 3.4 |
| Writing | 3.3 |
| Monitoring | 3.3 |
| Active Learning | 3.1 |
| Mathematics | 2.9 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Troubleshooting3.6
- Repairing3.5
- Systems Evaluation3.4
- Systems Analysis3.3
- Complex Problem Solving3.1
- Operations Monitoring3.0
- Equipment Maintenance3.0
- Quality Control Analysis3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | 3.6 |
| Repairing | 3.5 |
| Systems Evaluation | 3.4 |
| Systems Analysis | 3.3 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.1 |
| Operations Monitoring | 3.0 |
| Equipment Maintenance | 3.0 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Analytical or scientific software · in demand
- Computer aided design CAD software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Development environment software · in demand
- Document management software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Object or component oriented development software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Operating system software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Project management software · in demand
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits an Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist and Technician?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist and Technician |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 6 |
| Investigative | 5 |
| Artistic | 2 |
| Social | 2 |
| Enterprising | 1 |
| Conventional | 5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data.
- Realistic6.3
- Investigative5.2
- Conventional5.0
- Social1.8
- Artistic1.8
- Enterprising1.3
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist and Technician
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Median annual pay, with electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians highlighted
- Aerospace Engineer$134,960
- Electrical Engineer$120,630
- Environmental Engineer$107,110
- Mechanical Engineer$104,110
- Automotive Engineer$104,110
- Industrial Engineer$102,440
- Civil Engineer$100,840
- Architect$99,280
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist and Technician$78,190
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineer | $134,960 |
| Electrical Engineer | $120,630 |
| Environmental Engineer | $107,110 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $104,110 |
| Automotive Engineer | $104,110 |
| Industrial Engineer | $102,440 |
| Civil Engineer | $100,840 |
| Architect | $99,280 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist and Technician | $78,190 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist and Technician appears on
Questions
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist and Technician: frequently asked questions
How much do Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians make?
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians earn a median of $78,190 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 53% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $37.59/hr. The middle half earn between $61,610 and $97,650. The top 10% earn $115,700 or more.
Do you need a degree to become an Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist and Technician?
Usually a two-year degree rather than a four-year one. BLS lists an associate's degree as the typical entry-level education for Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians.
Is Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist and Technician a growing career?
It is growing, but slowly: 2.4% over 2025–2035 against 3.5% for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 8,100 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does an Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist and Technician do?
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians help electrical and electronics engineers plan and develop communications equipment, computers, medical monitoring devices, or other equipment that is powered by other electricity or electric… A core O*NET task: read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components. Employers most often ask for Analytical or scientific software, Computer aided design CAD software, Data base user interface and query software.
Which states pay Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians the most?
The highest state medians for Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians are Wyoming ($99,840), Rhode Island ($98,600), District of Columbia ($97,620) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits an Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologist and Technician?
O*NET scores Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians highest on the Realistic, Investigative and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with investigating, analysing and solving problems with ideas and data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.