How much does an Electrical Engineer make?

The average salary for an Electrical Engineer is $113,547 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 27479 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by an Electrical Engineer employees in United States.

The highest salary for an Electrical Engineer in United States is $140,078 per year.

The lowest salary for an Electrical Engineer in United States is $92,836 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming an Electrical Engineer or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of an Electrical Engineer.

Electrical engineering salaries are high, reflecting the field’s significant barriers to entry. A bachelor’s degree in engineering degree is considered a minimum qualification, although many firms strongly prefer candidates with internship experience. Once hired, electrical engineers typically work full time and are paid a salary with full benefits. Candidates with a Master of Engineering degree are typically paid higher than candidates with only a bachelor’s degree. Successful electrical engineers can earn a Professional Engineering (PE) license that indicates they are ready for more leadership responsibility, or they may choose to transition into a project manager role.

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According to Glassdoor statistics, approximately 74% of electrical engineers feel content with their salary. Several elements may qualify your electrical engineer salary as being well-paid, including postgraduate education, technical qualifications, stock purchase options, and a potential extra pay of $15,548.05 per year.

As an electrical engineer, you can expect to earn between $77,538.45 and $168,582.51 per year, with an average total pay of $113,536.62 and an average salary of $97,988.57. Entry-level electrical engineers must complete work experience with a licensed engineer before looking to advance along the typical electrical engineer career path. There are then opportunities for progression, such as to chief or senior electrical engineer.

Do you want to earn more during your career as an electrical engineer? After completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and gaining work experience under a licensed engineer, you can sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam to become a fully licensed engineer. In some states and companies, this is mandatory, while in others it will be persuasive. Completing a postgraduate qualification and specialist courses in your niche engineering field may also help you earn more. You should also enhance desirable skills, such as in critical thinking, problem solving, technology, research, programming, and industry-specific software.

Whether you're starting your first job as an electrical engineer or hoping to increase your earnings in your current position, here are useful pointers to help you negotiate a pay increase. Illustrate experience gained during internships and on the job, mention your FE and PE status, and discuss any additional education or training. It may also be valuable if you're a member of a professional organization, such as the National Society of Professional Engineers or the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Highlight major projects you've contributed to or led alongside any additional duties you've carried out, such as research, supervision, budget management, or system development.