Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

17-3023.00 Zone 3 — Medium Preparation Needed

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.

Also known as: Analog Circuit Designer, Analog Device Designer, Analysis Specialist, Applied Technologist, Automation Maintenance Technician, Automation Technician, Building Automation Technician (Building Automation Tech), Building Components Designer, ...

Annual Salary

$77,180

Median annual wage (May 2024)

$60,610 25th – 75th percentile $94,810
10th percentile $48,250
90th percentile $111,790
U.S. Employment: 92,710

Job Outlook

+0.6%

Projected growth, 2024–2034 (Slower than average)

Annual Job Openings 8,400 per year (avg. 2024–2034)
Typical education: Associate's degree

What You'd 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.
  • Review existing electrical engineering criteria to identify necessary revisions, deletions, or amendments to outdated material.
  • Maintain system logs or manuals to document testing or operation of equipment.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension 3.9
Critical Thinking 3.8
Active Listening 3.6
Repairing 3.5
Troubleshooting 3.5
Complex Problem Solving 3.4
Writing 3.3
Speaking 3.3

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Knowledge Areas

Computers and Electronics 4.4
Engineering and Technology 4.4
English Language 3.8
Design 3.6
Mathematics 3.5
Customer and Personal Service 3.3
Mechanical 3.3
Production and Processing 3.2

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Technology & Tools

Software and tools commonly used in this role

In-Demand Technologies

Adobe Acrobat Autodesk AutoCAD Autodesk Revit Bentley MicroStation C C++ Dassault Systemes SolidWorks Eclipse IDE JavaScript Linux Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Project Microsoft Visual Basic Microsoft Windows Microsoft Word Oracle Database Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management Python SAP software The MathWorks MATLAB UNIX

Other Tools

Adobe ActionScript Agilent Advanced Design System ADS Altera MAX Altera Quartus II Altium Designer

Work Styles

Personality traits and work styles important for this career

2.8
Attention to Detail
2.5
Dependability
2.1
Cautiousness
1.9
Intellectual Curiosity
1.7
Integrity
1.7
Perseverance
1.7
Achievement Orientation

Key Abilities

Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role

Written Comprehension 3.9
Deductive Reasoning 3.9
Inductive Reasoning 3.9
Oral Comprehension 3.8
Near Vision 3.8
Problem Sensitivity 3.6
Oral Expression 3.5
Information Ordering 3.5

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on this job

Working with Computers 4.4
Making Decisions and Solving Problems 4.2
Getting Information 4.2
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates 4.0
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards 4.0
Documenting/Recording Information 3.9
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge 3.9
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials 3.9

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Environment

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work

E-Mail
4.8
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
4.7
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
4.6
Freedom to Make Decisions
4.4
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
4.4
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
4.3
Telephone Conversations
4.3
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
4.2
Contact With Others
4.0
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
3.9
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection
3.7
Spend Time Sitting
3.6

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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.

This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.