Electrical Engineering Technician

Your Fit

Income

$73K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

0.8%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Electrical Engineering Technician?

Electrical Engineering Technicians assist in the design, development, testing, and maintenance of electrical systems and equipment. They play a critical role in supporting electrical engineers with the practical aspects of electrical engineering projects.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Electrical Engineering Technician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Electrical Engineering Technician earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$46K per year	$58K per year	$73K per year	$86K per year	$105K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $25K above the national average.

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What does an Electrical Engineering Technician do?

Work environment

Electrical Engineering Technicians primarily work in laboratories, manufacturing plants, research and development departments, and offices. Their job often involves collaboration with electrical engineers and may require hands-on work with electrical systems and equipment, adhering to safety standards.

Quick task list

Assists in the design and development of electrical equipment and systems.
Sets up and conducts tests of electrical systems and components.
Analyzes test data and prepares reports.
Troubleshoots and repairs electrical equipment.
Ensures compliance with electrical codes and safety standards.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Instrumentation and Control: Focusing on the installation and maintenance of electrical control systems.
Electrical Testing: Specializing in testing and analyzing electrical systems and components.
Systems Development: Assisting in the development and implementation of new electrical systems.
Field Service: Providing on-site technical support and maintenance for electrical systems.
Research and Development: Supporting the development of new electrical technologies and applications.

Description

Electrical Engineering Technicians are vital in the world of electrical engineering, providing the practical skills needed to bring electrical designs to life. They work closely with electrical engineers to turn theoretical designs into functional systems and equipment. This role requires a strong foundation in electrical theory, as well as practical skills in handling electrical components and systems. Technicians must be adept at using a variety of tools and equipment, from standard hand tools to sophisticated diagnostic software.

Their day-to-day tasks can vary widely depending on their specific role and the industry they work in. This can range from setting up electrical systems for testing, conducting routine maintenance, troubleshooting issues, to helping in the design and modification of electrical components. The work often involves interpreting complex technical documents and schematics, requiring attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

Electrical Engineering Technicians need to be adaptable, as they may work on a variety of projects. They also must stay current with technological advancements and changing industry standards. Good communication skills are essential, as they often need to collaborate with engineering teams and explain technical information to non-technical personnel.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing a hands-on role in the development and maintenance of electrical systems.
The opportunity to work on diverse projects in various industries.
The satisfaction of solving practical engineering problems.

You might make a good Electrical Engineering Technician if you are...

Fascinated by how electrical systems and devices work.
Proficient in applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
Skilled in problem-solving and troubleshooting.
Detail-oriented and able to follow complex instructions.
Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.

Pros:

Active involvement in practical aspects of electrical engineering.
Opportunities for continuous learning and skill development.
Diverse employment opportunities across various industries.

Cons:

The work can be physically demanding and sometimes hazardous.
May require working in various environments, including noisy or cramped spaces.
The need to constantly update skills with evolving technology.

How to become an Electrical Engineering Technician

Typical education

Most positions require an associate degree in electrical engineering technology, which typically involves 2 years of post-secondary education. Some roles might also benefit from additional certifications or hands-on training.

High school preparation

Courses:

Mathematics, particularly algebra and trigonometry, for technical calculations.
Physics to understand the fundamentals of electricity and electronics.
Vocational education courses, such as electronics or electrical technology.
Computer science for skills in programming and software used in diagnostics.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a robotics club or electronics hobby group.
Participating in science and engineering fairs.
Volunteering or interning at local electronics or engineering companies.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in an accredited associate degree program in electrical engineering technology.
Gain hands-on experience through internships or cooperative education programs.
Pursue certifications in specific areas such as instrumentation, control systems, or CAD software.

More resources

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) - A leading professional association for the advancement of technology.
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) - Offers certification programs in electrical systems.
Electronics Technicians Association International (ETA-I) - Provides certification and resources for electronics professionals.
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) - Offers resources and support for engineering education and careers.

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