Careers · Explore one path
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.
Other titles employers use
Communications Technologist · Electrical Engineering Technician · Electrical Technician · Electronics Engineering Technician · Electronics Technician · Engineering Technician (Engineering Tech) · Engineering Technologist · System Technologist
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical, analytical and organizing work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Complex Problem Solving
Subjects to know
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Design
- Mathematics
Useful strengths
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Near Vision
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.1 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 2.6 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.7 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 3.4 | Some of the day |
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Development environment software
- Operating system software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Document management software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 16,600
- Job openings each year
- 1,620
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 3.1%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 16,600 | 1,620 | 3.1% |
| Texas | 8,180 | 830 | 10.8% |
| Florida | 6,870 | 680 | 7.5% |
| New York | 4,940 | 20 | 4.9% |
| Virginia | 4,610 | 450 | 4.1% |
| Pennsylvania | 3,380 | 320 | — |
| Washington | 3,150 | 350 | 10.9% |
| Georgia | 2,990 | 310 | 14.1% |
| Michigan | 2,990 | 290 | 1.4% |
| Oregon | 2,950 | 290 | 6.1% |
| Tennessee | 2,790 | 290 | 21.3% |
| Illinois | 2,760 | 270 | — |
| North Carolina | 2,660 | 260 | 2.3% |
| Arizona | 2,250 | 220 | 5.6% |
| Ohio | 2,240 | 220 | 3.7% |
| South Carolina | 2,180 | 220 | 10.1% |
| Maryland | 2,160 | 210 | 5.4% |
| Wisconsin | 2,110 | 210 | 6.0% |
| Indiana | 2,060 | 210 | 9.6% |
| Minnesota | 1,960 | 190 | 2.6% |
| Alabama | 1,650 | 160 | 1.2% |
| New Jersey | 1,560 | 150 | 1.3% |
| Nevada | 1,550 | 160 | 12.3% |
| Louisiana | 1,530 | 150 | 8.5% |
| Utah | 1,500 | 160 | 20.0% |
| Colorado | 1,390 | 140 | 8.6% |
| Connecticut | 1,330 | 130 | 9.0% |
| Kentucky | 1,280 | 120 | 3.2% |
| Oklahoma | 1,250 | 120 | 3.3% |
| New Mexico | 1,180 | 120 | 8.3% |
| Idaho | 1,120 | 110 | 14.3% |
| Mississippi | 1,120 | 110 | 9.8% |
| Iowa | 1,050 | 100 | 4.0% |
| Massachusetts | 1,000 | 90 | −4.8% |
| Missouri | 1,000 | 100 | 4.2% |
| Puerto Rico | 1,000 | 100 | 14.9% |
| New Hampshire | 850 | 80 | — |
| Kansas | 740 | 70 | 2.8% |
| Nebraska | 510 | 50 | 2.0% |
| West Virginia | 480 | 50 | 4.3% |
| Maine | 400 | 40 | −2.4% |
| Alaska | 330 | 30 | 13.8% |
| Arkansas | 330 | 30 | 3.1% |
| District of Columbia | 290 | 30 | −3.3% |
| Delaware | 240 | 20 | 4.3% |
| South Dakota | 240 | 20 | 9.1% |
| North Dakota | 220 | 20 | 4.8% |
| Rhode Island | 200 | 20 | 5.3% |
| Vermont | 180 | 20 | −10.0% |
| Wyoming | 160 | 20 | 6.7% |
| Montana | 90 | 10 | 12.5% |
| Guam | 60 | 10 | 20.0% |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
Texas A & M University-College Station
- Degrees each year
- 344
- Admit rate
- 63%
- Annual cost after aid
- $17,000
CUNY New York City College of Technology
- Degrees each year
- 135
- Admit rate
- 81%
- Annual cost after aid
- $8,000
Purdue University-Main Campus
- Degrees each year
- 187
- Admit rate
- 50%
- Annual cost after aid
- $9,000
Farmingdale State College
- Degrees each year
- 96
- Admit rate
- 69%
- Annual cost after aid
- $12,000
University of Houston
- Degrees each year
- 83
- Admit rate
- 70%
- Annual cost after aid
- $13,000
East Carolina University
- Degrees each year
- 193
- Admit rate
- 90%
- Annual cost after aid
- $15,000
New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Degrees each year
- 182
- Admit rate
- 67%
- Annual cost after aid
- $16,000
Kennesaw State University
- Degrees each year
- 100
- Admit rate
- 69%
- Annual cost after aid
- $15,000
Compare every college offering electrical/electronic engineering technologies/technicians