Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
SOC Code: 17-3023.00
Architecture & EngineeringElectrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians serve as the critical bridge between engineers' designs and real-world implementation, earning a median salary of $77,180. They apply electrical and electronic theory to build, test, modify, and maintain complex systems ranging from communication networks to industrial control equipment. This career blends theoretical knowledge with practical lab and field work, making it ideal for those who enjoy both understanding how things work and building them. As technology accelerates across every sector, these professionals are increasingly essential to product development and manufacturing operations.
Salary Overview
Median
$77,180
25th Percentile
$60,610
75th Percentile
$94,810
90th Percentile
$111,790
Salary Distribution
Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Growth Rate
+0.6%
New Openings
8,400
Outlook
Slower than average
Key Skills
Knowledge Areas
What They 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.
- Review electrical engineering plans to ensure adherence to design specifications and compliance with applicable electrical codes and standards.
- Assemble, test, or maintain circuitry or electronic components, according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, or knowledge of electronics, using hand or power tools.
Tools & Technology
★ = Hot Technology (in-demand)
Education Requirements
Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree
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A Day in the Life
A typical day for an electrical and electronic engineering technician begins with reviewing project specifications, schematics, and testing protocols provided by engineers. They set up and operate test equipment such as oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, and network analyzers to evaluate circuit performance. Building and modifying prototypes on breadboards or printed circuit boards is a core activity, requiring steady hands and meticulous attention to component placement and soldering quality. Technicians document test results in detailed reports, comparing measurements against design specifications and flagging discrepancies for engineering review. Calibrating instruments and maintaining laboratory equipment ensures accuracy across all testing procedures. Collaboration is constant, as technicians work closely with design engineers, quality assurance teams, and manufacturing staff to resolve issues and optimize production processes. Some technicians spend part of their day programming test scripts or using computer-aided design software to create or modify circuit layouts. Field visits to customer sites or manufacturing floors for installation support, troubleshooting, and equipment commissioning add variety to the role.
Work Environment
Electrical and electronic engineering technicians work in diverse settings including research laboratories, manufacturing plants, testing facilities, and corporate offices. Laboratories are typically clean, well-lit, and equipped with precision instruments, creating a focused and technical atmosphere. Manufacturing environments may be noisier and require compliance with safety protocols including ESD protection, cleanroom procedures, and chemical handling guidelines. Standard work hours of 40 hours per week are common, though project deadlines and product launches can require occasional overtime. The culture is collaborative and intellectually stimulating, with teams of engineers and technicians working together to solve complex technical challenges. Remote work options are limited since most tasks require physical access to equipment and test benches. Many employers offer continuing education benefits, conference attendance, and tuition reimbursement to support professional growth. The dress code ranges from business casual in office environments to uniforms and protective equipment in manufacturing and field settings.
Career Path & Advancement
Entry into this field typically requires an associate degree in electrical engineering technology, electronics technology, or a closely related discipline. Many community colleges and technical schools offer two-year programs that combine classroom instruction in circuit theory, digital electronics, and instrumentation with hands-on laboratory work. Graduates often begin as junior technicians, working under the supervision of senior technicians or engineers while building practical competency. After three to five years of experience, technicians can advance to senior or lead technician roles, taking on more complex projects and mentoring newer team members. Earning certifications from organizations such as ABET, the International Society of Automation (ISA), or the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) enhances credentials and salary potential. Some technicians pursue bachelor's degrees in engineering technology to move into technologist positions, which carry greater design responsibility and earn above the $77,180 median. Career transitions into field applications engineering, technical sales, or quality engineering are common paths for experienced professionals. With sustained professional development, advancement into project management or engineering management is achievable.
Specializations
The field offers numerous specializations that allow technicians to develop deep expertise in particular domains. Telecommunications technicians focus on designing, testing, and maintaining communication systems including fiber optics, wireless networks, and satellite equipment. Instrumentation and controls technicians specialize in process control systems used in chemical plants, refineries, and power generation facilities. Semiconductor fabrication technicians work in cleanroom environments, maintaining and calibrating the sophisticated equipment used to manufacture microchips. Test engineering technicians develop and execute automated test procedures for electronics manufacturing, ensuring products meet quality standards before shipment. Biomedical electronics technicians maintain and calibrate medical devices such as MRI machines, patient monitors, and laboratory analyzers. Power electronics technicians focus on converters, inverters, and motor drives used in renewable energy systems and electric vehicles. Embedded systems technicians work with microcontroller-based products, supporting firmware development and hardware debugging for IoT devices and consumer electronics.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✓The median salary of $77,180 provides strong compensation, especially considering that entry often requires only an associate degree rather than a bachelor's.
- ✓The work combines intellectual problem-solving with hands-on building and testing, appealing to those who enjoy both theory and practice.
- ✓Diverse industry applications in telecommunications, manufacturing, healthcare, and defense ensure broad job availability across multiple sectors.
- ✓Technology exposure is constant, keeping the work intellectually stimulating and ensuring skills remain current with industry advances.
- ✓Clear advancement pathways into senior technical roles, engineering positions, or management provide long-term career growth potential.
- ✓The collaborative nature of the work fosters strong professional relationships and continuous learning from engineers and fellow technicians.
- ✓Portable skills in electronics testing and troubleshooting are valued globally, offering geographic flexibility for career opportunities.
Challenges
- ✗Some positions require prolonged periods of precise, repetitive tasks such as soldering and testing that can cause eye strain and fatigue.
- ✗Rapid technological change demands continuous learning and skill updates, which can feel overwhelming without employer support.
- ✗Career advancement beyond senior technician often requires pursuing additional education such as a bachelor's degree in engineering technology.
- ✗Manufacturing and lab environments may expose technicians to chemicals, static-sensitive components, and ergonomic challenges.
- ✗Project deadline pressures can lead to occasional overtime and stressful work periods during product launches or production crises.
- ✗Limited remote work options mean technicians must be physically present, reducing flexibility compared to software-focused roles.
- ✗Starting salaries for junior technicians can be significantly below the $77,180 median, requiring several years of experience to reach mid-career earnings.
Industry Insight
The electrical and electronic engineering technology field is being reshaped by several converging trends that create both challenges and opportunities. The Internet of Things is driving explosive growth in embedded systems and sensor technologies, expanding the range of products that require engineering technicians to develop and test. Advances in 5G telecommunications infrastructure are generating strong demand for technicians with RF and wireless specialization. The push toward renewable energy and electric vehicles is creating new roles in power electronics testing and battery management system development. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are increasingly integrated into test automation, requiring technicians to develop programming and data analysis skills alongside traditional hardware competencies. Miniaturization continues to challenge technicians with smaller components and tighter tolerances, making precision and adaptability critical skills. Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing initiatives are transforming production environments, blending traditional electronics knowledge with networked systems and data-driven quality control. The median salary of $77,180 reflects the growing value placed on technicians who can navigate this evolving technological landscape.
How to Break Into This Career
Aspiring electrical and electronic engineering technicians should start by enrolling in an accredited associate degree program in electrical or electronics engineering technology. Building hands-on skills through personal projects, ham radio, robotics clubs, or maker spaces demonstrates initiative and practical aptitude to potential employers. Internships and co-op programs during schooling provide invaluable real-world experience and often lead directly to job offers upon graduation. Obtaining entry-level certifications such as the Certified Electronics Technician (CET) credential validates foundational knowledge and distinguishes candidates. Developing proficiency with industry-standard tools including multimeters, oscilloscopes, soldering stations, and PCB design software is essential. Networking through IEEE student chapters, local electronics meetups, and career fairs connects students with industry professionals and hiring managers. Military veterans with electronics training from the armed services bring highly relevant skills and often receive preferential consideration from employers. Demonstrating strong documentation habits, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate technical findings clearly will set candidates apart in interviews.
Career Pivot Tips
The versatile skill set of electrical and electronic engineering technicians opens numerous career pivot opportunities. Proficiency in circuit analysis, testing methodology, and instrumentation translates seamlessly into roles as quality engineers, reliability engineers, or test development engineers. Technicians with programming experience in Python, LabVIEW, or C can transition into software testing, embedded software development, or automation engineering positions. Strong troubleshooting abilities and systems thinking are highly valued in technical support engineering and field service engineering roles. Those with telecommunications specialization can move into network engineering or cybersecurity operations with additional training. Experience in manufacturing environments prepares technicians for process engineering or manufacturing engineering positions. The combination of technical knowledge and communication skills makes experienced technicians excellent candidates for technical writing, training, or applications engineering roles. Understanding of product development cycles and testing standards also facilitates transitions into regulatory compliance and certification management positions.
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