How Much Money Do Electrical Engineers Make?

For people that are interested in working in the engineering field there are a number of different areas of engineering in which an individual can specialize, including electrical engineering. Electrical engineering is a profession that has strong growth potential and excellent compensation. Is geared around the application of manufacturing, installing and other methods of using electronic items.

The amount that an electrical engineer makes can vary based on a number of factors. The average salary is $83,110. This amount can rise or fall depending on a number of different factors.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers reported in 2010 that the average salary of an individual just beginning their electrical engineering career would be $59,326. The Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2010 that the 2008 earnings of an electrical engineer ranged from $52,990 to $125,810 with a median earning point of $82,160 a year.

It is also very important to note that certain areas of the country compensate electrical engineers more for their professional services than others. The top five states for electrical engineers, salary-wise, include:

• Alaska
• California
• District of Columbia
• Maine
• Massachusetts

Electrical engineers in these states make $95,000 a year. Thus, those that are interested in earning the most they can may want to choose a state that is willing to pay top dollar for electrical engineers.

There are also certain cities that are considered “hotbeds” for high paying electrical engineering jobs. Many of these cities are located in California and the top three include Santa Cruz, Sacramento and Stockton where the median salary for an electrical engineer is $112,000 to $116,000. This shows that there is a lot of money to be made in this field, especially in certain parts of the country.

Projected Job Outlook for Electrical Engineers

Whenever a person is considering their profession, it is very important to consider the future prospects for job growth. While there may be a number of professions that pay very well, if they job outlook is poor then you may have a hard time finding a job.

Luckily for those considering a career as an electrical engineer, the job market is expected to grow, at least until 2016. However, it is important to note that those individuals who are seeking employment within this field will be better able to find jobs in engineering or design service companies as opposed to other areas. This is mainly because electrical engineers face competition from foreign countries when it comes to using the services of an electrical engineer. Overall, however, prospects for anyone considering this profession are good.

Schooling and Professional Requirements for a Electrical Engineer

Becoming an electrical engineer requires the proper education and training. A Bachelors degree will be required for an entry level position. For those who are interested in obtaining an electrical engineering degree, many colleges offer specialty or concentration training that will allow the student to gear their education towards a specific branch of engineering.

After obtaining the degree, you should seek certification to become a Professional Engineer. The certification process will usually involve getting around three to four years of experience and taking examinations in order to obtain certification or licensure.