What do electrical engineers do?
From the lights in your home to the phone in your pocket, electrical engineers are behind the systems that keep the modern world running. They design and improve the technology we rely on every day, whether it’s renewable energy powering entire cities or medical devices saving lives in hospitals.
Electrical engineers are both problem solvers and innovators. They take abstract concepts, like how to transmit energy more efficiently or make devices smarter, and turn them into real-world solutions. Their work can mean designing safer power grids, developing faster communication networks, or creating the electronics that make our lives more convenient. By bridging science, technology, and creativity, electrical engineers shape the way we live, work, and stay connected in an increasingly digital world.
What is electrical engineering?
Electrical engineering is the branch of engineering devoted to the study, design, and application of electricity, electromagnetism, and electronics. In simple terms, it’s about understanding how electrical systems work and using that knowledge to create the technologies that power our daily lives. From the grid that supplies energy to entire cities to the microchips in your phone, electrical engineering drives both large-scale infrastructure and everyday innovation.
Electrical vs. electronics engineering
While often used interchangeably, electrical and electronics engineering are distinct areas:
- Electrical engineering typically focuses on large-scale power systems, generation, and distribution.
- Electronics engineering specializes in small-scale circuits and devices such as microprocessors, smartphones, and embedded systems.
Together, these fields overlap and complete one another–driving advancements in everything from consumer electronics to global energy solutions.
Core focus of electrical engineering and why it matters
While electrical engineering is defined as the study and application of electricity and electromagnetism, its true impact is seen in how those principles are used to solve real problems. The field centers on a few fundamental areas that drive innovation across industries:
- Power and Energy Systems: Keeping the world running through reliable generation and distribution of electricity.
- Circuits and Devices: Developing everything from microchips to large-scale control systems.
- Signals and Communications: Enabling fast, secure transmission of data across networks.
- Automation and Control: Advancing robotics, smart manufacturing, and intelligent systems.
The importance of these focus areas can’t be overstated. They support infrastructure that delivers energy to cities, make healthcare technologies like imaging and monitoring possible, and power the digital tools that connect people worldwide. In short, electrical engineering provides the foundation for progress in nearly every sector of modern society.
Types of electrical engineering specializations
Electrical engineering spans such a wide range of industries that most professionals choose a specialization to align with their career goals. These focus areas shape the kinds of projects engineers take on and the impact they have in the world. Common paths include:
- Energy and Power: Careers in utilities, renewable energy companies, and smart grid development, where engineers modernize how electricity is generated and delivered.
- Electronics and Hardware: Roles in consumer technology, automotive design, and aerospace, creating everything from smartphones to navigation systems.
- Telecommunications: Building the infrastructure for mobile networks, satellites, and high-speed internet connectivity.
- Automation and Robotics: Developing intelligent machines and control systems for industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and defense.
- Emerging Technologies: Exploring cutting-edge fields such as electric vehicles, artificial intelligence applications, and advanced medical devices.
Daily responsibilities and duties of electrical engineers
The role of an electrical engineer can vary depending on specialization and industry, but most share a set of core responsibilities. These daily duties combine technical knowledge with problem-solving skills to ensure systems operate safely and efficiently.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Designing and developing systems
- Testing and troubleshooting
- Project planning and management
- Research and innovation
- Collaboration
- Maintenance and upgrades
In addition to technical tasks, electrical engineers often balance professional responsibilities such as:
- Staying up to date with industry codes and safety regulations
- Using software tools like MATLAB, AutoCAD, or SPICE for design and analysis
- Communicating complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders
These duties highlight the blend of theory and practice that defines the profession. Whether designing new technologies or maintaining critical infrastructure, electrical engineers play a vital role in ensuring the systems we rely on every day run smoothly and safely.
Key electrical engineer skills
To succeed in electrical engineering, professionals need a combination of technical expertise and interpersonal strengths. These electrical engineer skills not only help with day-to-day tasks but also make engineers more adaptable across industries.
Hard skills
Electrical engineers rely on technical knowledge and specialized tools to design, analyze, and improve systems. Essential hard skills include:
- Circuit analysis and design
- Mathematics and physics
- Programming and coding
- Software proficiency
- Electromagnetics and signals
Soft skills
Beyond technical ability, strong soft skills allow electrical engineers to work effectively in teams and lead complex projects. Key soft skills include:
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Leadership
- Attention to detail
- Adaptability
Developing both hard and soft electrical engineer skills is essential for career growth, whether working in power systems, electronics, communications, or emerging technologies like renewable energy and automation.
Education path and degree in electrical engineering
Becoming an electrical engineer usually begins with earning a degree in electrical engineering. This degree provides the technical knowledge, lab experience, and problem-solving foundation needed to enter the profession. But the journey doesn’t stop there–most engineers follow a structured path that builds both academic and professional credentials.
Typical path to becoming an electrical engineer
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: A four-year program in electrical engineering or a related discipline is the standard entry point. Coursework typically covers mathematics, physics, computer programming, electronics, and more, paired with hands-on labs and design projects.
- Gain Practical Experience: Many students complete internships or co-op programs during their degree program. These opportunities help apply classroom learning to real-world engineering experience.
- Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam: Graduates often take the FE Exam soon after finishing their degree. Passing earns the designation of Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Engineer Intern (EI), a common requirement for entry-level roles.
- Work Under Supervision: Early career engineers build practical experience by working under licensed professional engineers, applying theory to projects while developing industry expertise.
- Pursue Professional Licensure: After gaining several years of experience, many engineers sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) Exam. Licensure allows them to take on leadership positions, sign off on projects, and expand career opportunities.
Electrical engineer salary and career outlook
Electrical engineering remains one of the most stable and rewarding fields in engineering, with strong earning potential and steady job growth projected in the coming decade.
How much does an electrical engineer make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for electrical engineers was $111,910 as of May 2024. Salaries can vary widely depending on specialization, industry, and experience level:
- The lowest 10% earn around $74,670 per year
- The highest 10% earn more than $175,460 annually
Is electrical engineering a good career?
With competitive salaries and opportunities across nearly every industry, electrical engineering is considered a strong long-term career choice. The BLS projects employment for electrical engineers to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Demand is especially strong in:
- Renewable energy and smart grids
- Semiconductors and advanced electronics
- Telecommunications
- Automation and robotics
Why electrical engineering matters today
Electrical engineering matters because it connects innovation to everyday life. It’s not just about designing systems–it’s about ensuring communities have reliable power, making global communication possible, and finding solutions for a more sustainable future. The field continues to evolve alongside society’s biggest challenges, from climate change to digital transformation, making it one of the most forward-looking careers in engineering.
Building your future in electrical engineering
The journey from student to professional engineer is shaped by preparation. For electrical engineers, passing the FE Exam and later the PE Exam isn’t just about meeting requirements–it’s about opening doors to leadership opportunities, specialized projects, and a career path that continues to grow with technology. These exams serve as markers of progress, helping engineers move forward with purpose at every stage of their careers.
How PPI can help you prepare
- FE Electrical Exam Prep: Review courses, practice exams, study guides, and problem sets aligned with NCEES specifications.
- PE Electrical Exam Prep: Comprehensive prep tailored to the electrical discipline, covering both breadth and depth exam areas.
- Flexible Learning Options: Self-paced courses, on-demand resources, and live instruction to match different study preferences.
- Trusted by Engineers: For decades, PPI’s prep materials have been a go-to resource for exam success and long-term career growth.
Take the next step with PPI's FE and PE Exam prep
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