What Does an Electrical Engineer Do?
Electrical engineering involves everything related to electronics and energy. Highly qualified and trained professionals, electrical engineers power things, design and create, build electronic devices, design computers, and process signals. Electrical engineers have a huge role to play in our lives as it is their job to develop next generation devices, energy conversion systems, satellite systems, communication systems, medical sensors and devices, and automotive electronics.
Among the broadest engineering degrees, electrical engineering allows students to choose any area of their liking. Students pursuing a degree in electrical engineering get to be involved in real-world design, laboratory-based learning, and engineering entrepreneurialism.
Education & Career Info in Michigan
| Education Required | Bachelor’s Degree |
| Training Required | None |
| Key Skills | Advanced mathematical skills, understanding of electronics, knowledge of science and technology, basic circuit knowledge, computer design, and engineering |
| Job Growth in Michigan (2018-2028) | 2% |
| Annual Mean Salary in Michigan (2021) | $97,770 per year |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021) and O*Net Online
Steps to Become an Electrical Engineer in Michigan
Anyone who is interested in becoming an electrical engineer must understand the importance of positioning oneself for success in a highly rewarding career. To build a career in electrical engineering, the most basic path is to mix dedication with hard work and planning right from the time of high school. There are several employment opportunities for electrical engineers, depending on the field of specialization.
- Education Requirements
- During high school, it is important to take math and science subjects, obtaining good grades in upper-level classes.
- Enroll in a college or university that is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
- The minimum requirement to become an electrical engineer is bachelor’s degree (B.E.E.). Choose from the best engineering colleges in Michigan.
- Electrical engineering bachelor’s degree is a four-year program in which students gain experience in design and come up with projects for real clients.
- Besides coursework, students are required to build important skills like problem-solving and critical thinking.
- Many students explore opportunities for continuous education, such as MSEE degree program that exposes them to advanced technical management techniques.
- Take Fundamentals of Engineering Exam
- The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is the first step to start your career as a professional engineer.
- The exam takes place all year round and is supervised by The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).
- The exam can be taken anytime by the students who are close to finishing their undergraduate degree or soon after graduating.
- Land an Entry-Level Job
- After clearing the FE exam, candidates can start working as electrical engineers.
- An entry level engineer mostly performs tasks like testing electrical systems, formulating equipment specifications, conducting surveys, and generating reports.
- Take Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam
- After working for four years in a related field, engineers can take Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam (PE).
- Once you have obtained a license, you are eligible to start your own business and work in leadership roles.
Electrical Engineer Salary and Career Outlook in Michigan
According to the 2018-2028 projected statistics on O*Net Online, there are estimated to be 660 job openings for electrical engineers in the state of Michigan. The electrical engineer job market is expected to grow by 2% in Michigan between 2018 and 2028. The corresponding national average for this occupation is 7% between 2020 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
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports, the mean annual wage for electrical engineers in Michigan was $97,770 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)
Top Paying Electrical Engineering Companies in Michigan
Some of the top companies that are hiring electrical engineers in Michigan are:
- Micron Technology
- IBM
- Design Systems, Inc.
- McDermott
- Sandia National Laboratories
- Dell Technologies
- Intuitive (Intuitive Surgical)
- Lockheed Martin
Top Jobs for Electrical Engineers in Michigan
According to O*Net Online, the projected annual job openings between 2018-208 in Michigan are 660. Some of the most lucrative jobs for electrical engineers are
- Electrical Engineer
- Electrical Design Engineer
- Telecommunications Engineer
- Instrumentation Engineer
- Micro Electrical Engineer
Some of the highest paying cities for Electrical Engineers in Michigan are Sterling Heights, Southfield, Novi, Ann Arbor, Troy, and Detroit.