Overview
Electrical engineers design, develop and test electrical systems and equipment, from power networks and motors to control systems, electronics and communications hardware. The field spans very different work: a power engineer planning grid connections, an electronics engineer designing circuit boards, and a controls engineer programming automation on a factory line. This guide covers what the job involves, the routes in for the US and UK, and how the career develops.
What an Electrical Engineer actually does
A large share of the work is specification, calculation and checking. You will size cables and protection, design circuits, review schematics and layouts, select components and write test procedures. Then comes testing and fault-finding, which is often the most time-consuming part: working out why a board behaves differently from the simulation, or why a system trips under load. There is a steady flow of documentation, standards compliance and design reviews, and on many projects you will coordinate with mechanical engineers, software developers, suppliers and site teams. The work suits people who like precise reasoning and are patient with problems that take time to isolate.
A typical week
- •Reviewing a specification and working out load, protection or signal requirements.
- •Drawing or updating schematics and checking them against relevant standards.
- •Running a simulation or calculation, then checking the result against a quick estimate.
- •Testing a prototype or system in the lab or on site and recording results.
- •Fault-finding with technicians when something behaves unexpectedly.
- •Writing up a design change or test report for review and approval.
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The career path
Graduate / Junior Electrical Engineer
Zero to around two yearsYou work on defined parts of projects under supervision, learning tools, standards and review processes. In the US, many take the FE exam around this stage.
Electrical Engineer
Roughly two to six yearsYou own designs or systems within a project, including testing and commissioning, and start working towards licensure or professional registration.
Senior Electrical Engineer
Around six to ten yearsYou lead technical work, review others' designs and take responsibility for compliance. BLS notes a PE licence allows engineers to supervise others and approve projects.
Principal Engineer / Engineering Manager
Ten years or moreYou become the technical authority in a specialism or manage teams and programmes, balancing technical, commercial and safety decisions.
The skills that matter
Circuit theory and electrical fundamentals
BLS lists circuit theory, digital systems design and calculus as typical coursework. Every design decision rests on these.
Design tools and programming
BLS lists computer skills, including computer-aided design and programming, among key qualities. Schematic capture, simulation and scripting are daily tools.
Testing and fault-finding
Real systems rarely behave exactly like the model. Methodical debugging is what gets products and projects finished.
Standards and safety
Electrical work is safety-critical. Knowing the relevant codes and standards protects people and keeps projects compliant.
Project management
BLS lists project management among the important qualities, since engineers juggle schedules, suppliers and budgets.
Communication
You will explain technical decisions to non-specialists, clients and other engineering disciplines.
How to break in
- #1
US: BLS says most entrants hold a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering or a related field, and some employers prefer a master's. Internships and co-op programmes are valued.
- #2
US: a licence is not required for entry-level positions. A PE licence, issued by each state, generally requires an engineering degree, passing the FE exam, several years of relevant experience and passing the PE exam. NCEES offers PE exams in electrical and computer disciplines, including power and electrical and electronics.
- #3
UK: the National Careers Service lists a foundation degree or degree in electrical or electronic engineering or related subjects (usually 2 or 3 A levels including maths and a science), an HNC or HND followed by a trainee role, Level 6 degree apprenticeships that take up to 5 years, starting as an electrical engineering technician, or applying directly with related experience.
- #4
UK: professional registration can improve career prospects, according to the National Careers Service, which points to the IET for registration categories. Chartered Engineer (CEng) is registered by the Engineering Council through licensed institutions.
- #5
Do hands-on projects: build circuits, programme microcontrollers, or join a student team. Write up what you built and what went wrong.
- #6
Choose a direction early if you can, such as power, electronics or controls, because employers often hire for a specialism.
What drives pay
Compensation varies too much by country, sector and company size for a single figure to be useful. These are the factors that actually move it.
Specialism, since power systems, electronics design and controls are priced differently by sector.
Sector, such as energy, defence, semiconductors, construction or manufacturing.
Professional status (PE licence or chartership) and sign-off responsibility.
Whether you lead projects or teams.
Location and employer size.
Where demand is heading
BLS projects overall employment of electrical and electronics engineers in the US to grow 8 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations, with most openings coming from people changing occupations or leaving the workforce (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, checked 3 November 2026). Grid upgrades, renewable energy, electrification and automation all rely on the discipline.
Roles this transfers to
Mechanical Engineer
Mechatronics and electro-mechanical systems sit between the two disciplines.
Electrician
The reverse move is common too: electricians who study further often become engineers, and engineers who understand installation work design better.
Network Engineer
Signals, communications and systems thinking transfer to network infrastructure.
Project Manager
Engineers who enjoy coordination and budgets often move into technical project management.
Common mistakes
Relying on simulation without testing assumptions on real hardware.
Treating standards and documentation as paperwork rather than part of the design.
Graduating with theory but no hands-on project to discuss at interview.
Putting off licensure or registration until the experience records are hard to assemble.
Staying too general for too long when employers hire for specialisms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do you need to be an electrical engineer?
In the US, BLS says most entrants hold a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering or a related field. In the UK, the National Careers Service lists degrees, HNCs or HNDs, and Level 6 degree apprenticeships.
Do electrical engineers need a licence?
Not for entry-level work in the US. A PE licence, issued by each state, lets engineers supervise others, approve projects and serve the public directly. It generally needs a degree, the FE exam, several years of experience and the PE exam.
Can you become an electrical engineer without a degree?
In the UK, yes. The National Careers Service lists degree apprenticeships and starting as an electrical engineering technician, then training on the job. In the US, most entrants have a bachelor's degree.
What is the difference between an electrical engineer and an electrician?
Electrical engineers design and specify systems. Electricians install, maintain and repair them, and have their own training and licensing routes.
How can I check whether I am ready for an engineering role?
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