Electrical Engineers

Wages
In 2015, the average annual wage in a Alabama was $92,610 with most people making betweeen $57,930 and $142,690
Wages by Industry
  • Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services $88,070.00
  • Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing $91,900.00
  • Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution $85,370.00
  • Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing $94,670.00
  • Scientific Research and Development Services $94,460.00
  • Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing $93,010.00
Education Required
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Common Majors
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering
  • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering, Other
About the job

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

What you'll do
    • Assist in developing capital project programs for new equipment or major repairs.
    • Collect data relating to commercial or residential development, population, or power system interconnection to determine operating efficiency of electrical systems.
    • Conduct field surveys or study maps, graphs, diagrams, or other data to identify and correct power system problems.
    • Design electrical systems or components that minimize electric energy requirements, such as lighting systems designed to account for natural lighting.
    • Develop systems that produce electricity using renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, or biofuels.
    • Inspect completed installations and observe operations to ensure conformance to design and equipment specifications and compliance with operational and safety standards.
    • Integrate electrical systems with renewable energy systems to improve overall efficiency.
    • Investigate or test vendors’ or competitors’ products.
    • Plan layout of electric power generating plants or distribution lines or stations.
    • Supervise or train project team members as necessary.
Things you need to know
    • Engineering and Technology – Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
    • Design – Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
    • Computers and Electronics – Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
    • Mathematics – Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
    • Physics – Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
Abilities you'll need to have
    • Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
    • Reading Comprehension – Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
    • Active Listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
    • Complex Problem Solving – Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
    • Writing – Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
    • Active Learning – Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
    • Speaking – Talking to others to convey information effectively.