Salary Survey Report for Job: Electrical Engineer

• Electrical Engineers - Design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.
• Electronics Engineers, Except Computer - Research, design, develop, and test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use utilizing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.

Electrical Engineering Salaries

Over the past several years, an increase in competition for electrical engineering jobs has stifled electrical engineering salaries for those entering the field. However, as the Electrical Engineering Salaries by Years of Experience chart illustrates, electrical engineering salaries remain relatively high. The chart also shows an exponential increase in electrical engineering salaries after just 4 years of experience, suggesting that increased competition has mainly had an effect on electrical engineering salaries for those breaking into the field. And, it does appear as if competition for electrical engineering jobs will remain stiff. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment growth for electrical engineering jobs is expected to be slower than the average for most occupations. But, as engineers begin to retire and demand for electrical devices increases, along with the advancing technology used in electrical engineering, we could begin to see a gradual upward climb in employment growth for electrical engineers.

Electrical Engineering Salaries and Degree

In electrical engineering jobs, experience matters most, but a degree follows close behind. As companies look to replace retiring employees, job precedence will be given to those applicants with an educational background in electrical engineering, who possess the knowledge to fill their predecessors' shoes. By earning a degree, not only will you increase your chance of landing a job, but you can also increase your electrical engineering salary potential. If you take a look at Electrical Engineering Salaries by Degree, you'll notice that, on average, electrical engineering salaries for those with a Master's degree are approximately $10,000 more than for those with a Bachelor's degree.

Government Engineering Salaries - Electrical Engineer

In times of low employment growth, many people look to the government for employment. Because of the diverse range of governmental institutions that are vital to creating a national infrastructure, the government has a steady demand for employees from most fields. Electrical engineers working for the government will often work to maintain and develop lighting systems, radar navigation systems, power generation, and transmission devices as they relate to government operated buildings, automobiles, and aircraft. The government also has a pretty good reputation for paying well. If you take a look at Electrical Engineering Salaries by Employer Type, you'll notice that government engineering salaries rank second, only slightly behind electrical engineering salaries at hospitals.

You can also use PayScale's Resource Center to compare Engineering Starting Salaries, and government engineering salaries. Check out and compare the following engineering salaries:

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