What does an Electrical Engineer Do?

Electrical engineers are skilled professionals who are trained to work in the fields related to electromagnetism, electricity, and electronics. It is the job of an electrical engineer to research and develop, design, and test electrical equipment and devices. A diverse field, it also includes development in areas like communications systems, motors and navigation systems, power generators, as well as electrical systems for aircraft and automobiles. To become an electrical engineer in Los Angeles or any other state, students are required to obtain bachelor’s or master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. During this extensive degree program, they learn about the working of electrical systems, circuits, and devices.

Education & Career Info

Education Required Bachelor’s Degree
Training Required None
Key Skills Advanced mathematical skills, understanding of electronics, knowledge of science and technology, computer design, and engineering
Job Growth (2018-2028) 9%
Average Salary (2021) $126, 640 per year

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021) and O*Net Online

Steps to Become an Electrical Engineer in Los Angeles

A diverse field, electrical engineers are designers, inventors, and builders. Like other areas of engineering, electrical engineering also requires comprehensive academic learning along with hands-on field experience. Closely connected to Physics, electrical engineering requires technical understanding, interpretation, and application of complicated theories. To become an electrical engineer in Los Angeles, a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering is the standard entry-level.

  1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
  • Before enrolling in any degree program, make sure that it is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
  • Four years bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering includes coursework in digital systems design, understanding differential equations, and electrical circuit theory.
  • Students are also given exposure to field studies and laboratory work.
  • Students who want to pursue higher degree can combine bachelor’s degree with master’s degree and make it five-year study program.
  1. Take Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
  • Electrical engineers interested in working in the utility field are required to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
  • To be eligible for licensure, candidates must obtain a minimum bachelor’s degree from accredited college and pass the FE exam.
  1. Land an Entry-Level Job
  • Upon receiving certification, electrical engineers can improve their prospects of landing a good job by gaining some experience.
  • Internships or entry-level job is the first step in advancing your career an electrical engineer.
  1. Take Professional Engineer Exam
  • In order to obtain a license, engineers-in-training (EITs) must have four years degree along with taking competency exams.
  • Professional Engineer Exam (PE) is a requirement if you want to work as a licensed engineer.
  • It takes candidates four years to complete bachelor’s degree after which they are required to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. Finally, they music pass Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam. This entire process can take from five to six years.

Electrical Engineer Salary and Career Outlook

Electrical engineers are paid well for their work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports, the median annual wage for electrical engineers in Los Angeles was $126, 640 in 2021. The corresponding national average annual wage was $ 107,890 for engineers. Below are the top paying states for electrical engineers.

State Annual Mean Wage 
California $ 126,640
District of Columbia $ 123,280
Washington $ 118,890
Massachusetts $ 118,100
Maryland $ 117,950

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021)

O*Net Online forecasts a 9% increase in employment opportunities for Electrical Engineers in Los Angeles between 2018 and 2028. The corresponding national average for this occupation is 7% between 2018 and 2030. Below are the states with the highest employment level in Electrical Engineers.

State Employment 
California 28,070
Texas 15,230
Michigan 10,050
New York 8,960
Pennsylvania 8,250

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021) and O*Net Online