So you want to become an electrical engineer? This lucrative and growing career field allows you to work with cutting-edge technology to design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment
Electrical engineers work in various industries including telecommunications, aerospace, transportation and healthcare. Their work powers our everyday lives from the smallest electronics to massive electrical power grids.
But becoming an electrical engineer takes time and commitment. This comprehensive guide provides key information to help you understand the educational path to launch your electrical engineering career.
Typical Electrical Engineering Education Requirements
Most aspiring electrical engineers earn a bachelor’s degree, which typically takes 4-5 years of full-time study. Many employers also prefer candidates with practical experience gained via internships.
Some electrical engineers obtain further education with a master’s degree, which adds 1-2 years of study. For more complex research or academic positions, a PhD is required, taking an additional 4-6 years.
Let’s break down the step-by-step path to become an electrical engineer:
1. Earn a High School Diploma
A high school diploma or equivalent GED certificate provides the foundation for higher education. Courses in math, physics, computer science, and English help prepare students for college-level classes.
2. Complete an Undergraduate Degree (4-5 years)
A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (BSEE) is the typical entry-level requirement for most positions. Programs blend theoretical learning with hands-on experience.
Common undergraduate courses include:
- Calculus
- Physics
- Circuit theory
- Signals and systems
- Electromagnetics
- Microelectronics
- Programming
Students gain exposure to key concepts while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Course and lab work provide the chance to use industrystandard engineering software and equipment.
3. Obtain Practical Experience (1-2 years optional)
Through internships and co-ops, students get firsthand training in real workplace environments. These opportunities allow you to apply classroom concepts, learn new skills, and make connections.
Gaining practical experience can make you more employable after graduation. Some programs integrate these experiences via partnerships with electrical engineering companies.
4. Earn a Graduate Degree (optional)
Though not required, a master’s degree can lead to greater career advancement and higher pay. Common graduate specializations include:
- Control systems
- Power engineering
- Computer engineering
- Signal processing
- Communications
- Microelectronics
Aspiring researchers or university professors pursue doctoral degrees. The intense study and dissertation process takes an additional 4-6 years.
How Long Does it Take to Become an Electrical Engineer?
The total time investment depends on your educational path. Here are two examples of common timelines:
Traditional BSEE
- 4 years for a bachelor’s degree
- 1-2 years for internships (optional but recommended)
Total Time Investment: Approximately 5-6 years
Accelerated BSEE + Master’s
- 4 years bachelor’s degree
- 1-2 years Master’s degree
- 1-2 years internships (optional)
Total Time Investment: Approximately 6-8 years
So the straight path from high school to an entry-level electrical engineering role typically takes 4-6 years. Those who pursue graduate studies and hands-on training can invest 6-8 years of education.
However, many students take a less direct route. For example, transferring from community college or switching majors adds time. Part-time programs or work obligations can extend the timeline as well.
Alternative Paths to Become an Electrical Engineer
Beyond the traditional trajectory, here are a few other ways to launch an electrical engineering career:
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2-year associate degree: A shorter technical degree covering electrical fundamentals and lab work can qualify graduates for assistant-level roles. Hands-on experience is highly valued.
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Engineering technology degree: Programs in electrical engineering technology focus more on practical implementation rather than advanced theory. This path takes 2-4 years.
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Apprenticeships: Paid on-the-job training programs sponsored by employers like electric utilities allow you to earn an electrical engineering degree while working. These structured programs take 3-5 years.
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Online degrees: Offered at both undergraduate and graduate levels, online electrical engineering programs allow working professionals to upskill and transition careers on a flexible schedule.
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Certifications: Voluntary certification through organizations like NCEES and IEEE demonstrates specialized expertise. Useful for career changers.
Key Takeaways
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Plan for 4-5 years of full-time study to earn your bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. This provides well-rounded theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills.
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Gaining 1-2 years of internship experience while in school is highly recommended to boost your resume and make you more employable after graduation.
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Allow an additional 1-2 years if you plan to pursue a master’s degree, which can lead to greater career advancement in electrical engineering roles.
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Accelerated programs and part-time schedules can shorten or extend timelines. Work experience and changing majors also impact the total time investment.
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Alternate educational paths like apprenticeships and certifications cater to nontraditional students and career changers.
With proper planning and commitment, you can successfully embark on an exciting and rewarding career in electrical engineering. This versatile degree opens doors to diverse industries designing solutions that power innovation.
Becoming an Electrical Engineer – Role Requirements and Responsibilities
To pursue a career as an electrical engineer, an individual must first meet several criteria. Perhaps most importantly, an aspiring electrical engineer must complete a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university, specifically in electrical engineering (with some exceptions noted below).
While it is not entirely necessary to obtain a four-year bachelor’s degree from a program that the Accreditation Board has accredited for Engineering and Technology (ABET)—a subgroup of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)—doing so will help an engineer’s future employment prospects.
Indeed, a four-year degree from an ABET-accredited institution is one of the prerequisites for obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which allows the holder to perform a more comprehensive array of work that generally involves a greater scope of responsibilities.
It is important to note that an individual may find work as an electrical engineer in some circumstances even if he or she didn’t obtain a bachelor’s degree in that specific field. For example, an individual with a degree in civil or mechanical engineering who took courses in electrical engineering and shows exceptional skill in this area may be able to find work as an electrical engineer.
Furthermore, some students may obtain a bachelor’s degree in an entirely different field and then a master’s degree in electrical engineering; these individuals would all be eligible to find work there.
Career Outlook and Salaries for Electrical Engineers
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that the largest employers of electrical engineers are spread out over several sectors, with engineering services (19 percent), electric power generation, transmission, and distribution (9 percent), and navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing (7 percent) being the top three largest employers (BLS 2023).
The future looks decent for electrical engineers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024) predicted that openings in this profession will grow 4 percent between 2022 and 2032, faster than the average projected for all occupations (3 percent).
While most engineering positions require a bachelor’s degree, the reasons for obtaining a master’s degree in electrical engineering are compelling. Electrical engineers with higher levels of education generally earn higher salaries. Data from PayScale, a self-reported aggregate of salary data, confirms this, showing distinct differences in average annual salary for electrical engineers with bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in 2024:
- Bachelor’s: $99,000 per year
- Master’s: $106,000 per year
- Doctoral: $120,000 per year
Salary data from the BLS correlates with the numbers above, showing the average annual salary (mean wage) for electrical engineers is $114,050 (BLS May 2022). Annual salary percentiles for electrical engineers in the same year are as follows:
| United States | |
|---|---|
| Number of Professionals Employed | 182,210 |
| Annual Mean Wage | $114,050 |
| 10th percentile | $65,480 |
| 25th percentile | $80,550 |
| 50th percentile | $103,320 |
| 75th percentile | $132,880 |
| 90th percentile | $166,970 |
Along with the financial component, students with a graduate degree in electrical engineering have a broader knowledge of the subject material, which allows them to access more innovative positions throughout their careers. Some engineering programs have a fifth-year option, enabling electrical engineers to earn a two-year master’s degree with just one additional year of education, which is detailed below.
HOW TO BECOME AN ELECTRICIAN, THE PATHS YOU CAN TAKE
How long does it take to get an electrical engineering degree?
An undergraduate degree in electrical engineering generally requires completion of a minimum of 120 credits. Depending upon the program, this may include any of the following: Taken over a full-time basis, most students will complete a traditional program in four-to-five years. But other options do exist.
What degree do you need to become an electrical engineer?
While some community colleges offer an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering, most employers look for applicants with at least a bachelor’s degree. Whether they’re pursuing an undergraduate or graduate-level degree, electrical engineering students have solid foundational knowledge in calculus, physics, and chemistry.
How much does it cost to become an electrical engineer?
Associate degree in electrical engineering technology; (optional) Electrical Power Testing certification -2% 2% $61,580 Bachelor’s degree in engineering; (recommended) Professional Engineer licensure 3% 7% $95,790 Bachelor’s degree in engineering; (recommended) Professional Engineer licensure 5% $83,060
How do I start a career in Electrical Engineering?
To kickstart a career in electrical engineering, the foundational step is to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field such as Electrical and Electronics Engineering or Applied Engineering.
