Electronics Engineers
O*NET title: Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.
Also called: Antenna Engineer, Audio Visual Engineer (AV Engineer), Audio Visual Manager, Automation Engineer, Central Office Equipment Engineer, Central Office Facilities Planning Engineer
Median pay
$130,220
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$81,840 – $206,960
People employed
96,900
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 prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 2.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 3.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 4.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 5.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 6.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 7.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 8.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
Electronics Engineers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (49 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What electronics engineers do
- 01Design electronic components, software, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, medical, military, or scientific applications.
- 02Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform electronics engineering tasks.
- 03Evaluate project work to ensure effectiveness, technical adequacy, or compatibility in the resolution of complex electronics engineering problems.
- 04Direct or coordinate activities concerned with manufacture, construction, installation, maintenance, operation, or modification of electronic equipment, products, or systems.
- 05Confer with engineers, customers, vendors, or others to discuss existing or potential electronics engineering projects or products.
- 06Provide technical support or instruction to staff or customers regarding electronics equipment standards.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Mathematics
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- Design
- Mathematics
- English Language
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 4 years, up to and including 6 years.
- On-the-job training: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
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 electronics engineers
- Materials Scientists72% · −10%
- Computer Network Architects71% · +3%
- Computer Systems Engineers/Architects66% · group pay
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists66% · group pay
- Penetration Testers66% · group pay
Change into electronics engineers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians77% · $74,510
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians76% · $66,120
- Materials Scientists76% · $117,790
- Computer Network Architects75% · $134,050
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters75% · $76,870
Majors that lead here
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Telecommunications Engineering
- Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.