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Electrical engineers apply their knowledge of the sciences to working with equipment that produces and distributes electricity, such as generators, transmission lines, and transformers. They also design, develop, and manufacture electric motors, electrical machinery, and ignition systems for automobiles, aircraft, and other engines. Electronics engineers are more concerned with devices made up of electronic components such as integrated circuits and microprocessors. They design, develop, and manufacture products such as computer systems, broadcast and communications systems, MP3 players, and GPS devices. Electronics engineering is a subfield of electrical engineering, and both types of engineers are often referred to as electrical engineers. (Electronics engineers who focus solely on computer hardware are often considered hardware engineers.) There are approximately 313,970 electrical and electronics engineers employed in the United States.

Salary Range

$50,000 to $100,000+

Minimum Education Level

Bachelor's Degree

Certification/License

Recommended

Outlook

Little Change or More Slowly than the Average

Personality Traits

Hands On

Scientific

Technical

Career Ladder

Chief Engineer, or Consultant, or College Professor

Project Manager or Managing Engineer

Electrical and Electronics Engineer

Entry-Level Engineer