Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

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.

What you'd actually do

• Modify, maintain, or repair electronics equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
• Replace defective components or parts, using hand tools and precision instruments.
• Set up and operate specialized or standard test equipment to diagnose, test, or analyze the performance of electronic components, assemblies, or systems.
• Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components.
• Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions, working with manufacturers or field representatives as necessary to procure replacement parts.
• Assemble electrical systems or prototypes, using hand tools or measuring instruments.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Associate degree. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the day is spent working solo; it rewards working independently. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 0.1% of electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on, analytical and organized and detail-focused.

Related careers

• Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
• Surveyors
• Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Mechanical Drafters
• Architectural and Civil Drafters
• Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Quick questions

How much does a electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technician make?

The median pay is $37.59 per hour — roughly $78,000 a year, with the real range running from about $23.80/hr (10th percentile) to $55.62/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technician?

The typical entry-level education is: Associate degree. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

What does a electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technician actually do all day?

Modify, maintain, or repair electronics equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning. Replace defective components or parts, using hand tools and precision instruments. Set up and operate specialized or standard test equipment to diagnose, test, or analyze the performance of electronic components, assemblies, or systems.