Details Report for:
17-3029.02 - Electrical Engineering Technologists
Apply engineering theory and technical skills to support electrical engineering activities such as process control, electrical power distribution, and instrumentation design. Prepare layouts of machinery and equipment, plan the flow of work, conduct statistical studies and analyze production costs.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Interests | Work Values | Education | Wages & Employment
Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- Calculate design specifications or cost, material, and resource estimates, and prepare project schedules and budgets.
- Design or modify engineering schematics for electrical transmission and distribution systems or for electrical installation in residential, commercial, or industrial buildings, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
- Install or maintain electrical control systems, industrial automation systems, and electrical equipment including control circuits, variable speed drives, or programmable logic controllers.
- Review electrical engineering plans to ensure adherence to design specifications and compliance with applicable electrical codes and standards.
- Supervise the construction and testing of electrical prototypes according to general instructions and established standards.
- Compile and maintain records documenting engineering schematics, installed equipment, installation and operational problems, resources used, and repairs or corrective action performed.
- Review installation and quality assurance documentation.
- Review, develop and prepare maintenance standards.
- Set up and operate standard and specialized testing equipment.
- Diagnose, test, or analyze the performance of electrical components, assemblies, and systems.
- Assist engineers and scientists in conducting applied research in electrical engineering.
- Participate in training and continuing education activities to stay abreast of engineering and industry advances.
Interests Save Table (XLS/CSV)
 Occupational Interest |
Interest |
|
|---|---|---|
95   |
Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others. | |
| 72 |
Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally. | |
| 50 |
Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow. | |
| 28 |
Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business. | |
| 17 |
Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules. | |
| 6 |
Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others. | |
Work Values Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Extent |
Work Value |
|
|---|---|---|
| 72 |
Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. | |
| 64 |
Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. | |
| 61 |
Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. | |
| 61 |
Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employs to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. | |
| 39 |
Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. | |
| 33 |
Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. | |
Education
Education data collected from Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
Percentage of Respondents |
Education Level Attained |
|---|---|
| 54 |
Some college |
| 27 |
High school or less |
| 18 |
Bachelor's degree or higher |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
survey of employees aged 25-44.
This occupation may require a background in the following science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational disciplines:
Engineering — Electrical, Electronic and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
Employment data collected from Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
| Category | Occupation Information |
|---|---|
| Median wages (2008) | $27.33 hourly, $56,850 annual |
| Employment (2006) | 82,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) | 
Little or no change (-2% to 2%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) | 18,000 additional employees |
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008 wage data
and 2006-2016 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2006-2016). "Projected need" represents job openings due to growth and net replacement.