Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Also called: Electrical Engineering Technicians
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 called: Applied Technologist, Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST), Communication Technician (Communication Tech), Communications Technologist, Control Systems Technician (Control Systems Tech), Controls Specialist
Median pay
$78,190
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$49,510 – $115,700
People employed
95,130
Holland code
RIC
Realistic · Investigative · Conventional
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 2.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 3.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 4.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians salary in every state →
What electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians do
- 01Install or maintain electrical control systems, industrial automation systems, or electrical equipment, including control circuits, variable speed drives, or programmable logic controllers.
- 02Review electrical engineering plans to ensure adherence to design specifications and compliance with applicable electrical codes and standards.
- 03Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components.
- 04Specify, coordinate, or conduct quality control or quality assurance programs or procedures.
- 05Assemble, test, or maintain circuitry or electronic components, according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, or knowledge of electronics, using hand or power tools.
- 06Maintain system logs or manuals to document testing or operation of equipment.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Writing
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- Design
- English Language
- Mechanical
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment87% · −5%
- Avionics Technicians80% · +5%
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay76% · +32%
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment74% · +9%
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians73% · +2%
Change into electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment87% · $74,090
- Medical Equipment Repairers85% · $61,660
- Avionics Technicians83% · $82,280
- Broadcast Technicians82% · $59,570
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers79% · $63,520
Majors that lead here
- Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General
- Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician
- Telecommunications Technology/Technician
- Integrated Circuit Design Technology/Technician
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Automation Engineer Technology/Technician
- Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/Technician
- Computer Engineering Technology/Technician
- Computer/Computer Systems Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.