Occupation · SOC 17-3023
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.
Median wage
$77,180
$48,250–$111,790
Projected growth
+0.6%
Slower than average
Annual openings
60
per year
Employed (US)
92,710
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
812 mapped
Core skills
Reading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive ListeningTroubleshootingRepairingComplex Problem SolvingWritingSpeakingSystems AnalysisMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingActive LearningOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceCoordinationTime ManagementSystems EvaluationSocial PerceptivenessService OrientationQuality Control AnalysisMathematicsManagement of Personnel ResourcesLearning StrategiesInstructingEquipment SelectionPersuasionOperation and ControlNegotiationManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesTechnology DesignOperations AnalysisInstallationProgrammingScience
Knowledge areas
Computers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyEnglish LanguageDesignMathematicsCustomer and Personal ServiceMechanicalProduction and ProcessingTelecommunicationsPhysicsPublic Safety and SecurityAdministration and ManagementAdministrativeEducation and TrainingLaw and GovernmentCommunications and MediaChemistryBuilding and ConstructionSales and MarketingPersonnel and Human ResourcesTransportationEconomics and AccountingPsychologyGeographyForeign LanguageSociology and AnthropologyBiologyTherapy and CounselingPhilosophy and TheologyMedicine and DentistryFood ProductionHistory and ArcheologyFine Arts
Technology & tools
AVEVA InTouch HMIAdobe AcrobatAdobe ActionScriptAgilent Advanced Design System ADSAltera MAXAltera Quartus IIAltium DesignerAnadigm Designer2 EDAAnalog Devices VisualDSP++Ansoft HFSSAnsys FluentAutodesk AutoCADAutodesk RevitBSVCBentley MicroStationBentley Systems ProjectWiseCC++CST Microwave StudioCadence OrCAD PSpiceCadence PSpiceCanuCircuit simulation softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareComputer aided software engineering CASE toolsComputer-aided engineering CAE softwareDassault Systemes SolidWorksData acquisition softwareDatabase softwareDebugging softwareEMA TimingDesignerEclipse IDEEmulatorsFileMaker ProFlukeView FormsGE Fanuc Automation VersaProGNU OctaveGnuplotGraphics softwareHP InfoTech CodeVisionAVR
Representative tasks
Working with ComputersMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsGetting InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDocumenting/Recording InformationInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsProcessing InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentAnalyzing Data or InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsThinking CreativelyDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsScheduling Work and ActivitiesEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationControlling Machines and ProcessesTraining and Teaching OthersInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersHandling and Moving ObjectsDeveloping and Building TeamsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesPerforming Administrative ActivitiesCoaching and Developing OthersDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersAssisting and Caring for OthersOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentSelling or Influencing OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the Public
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Hand tools and precision instruments — use under direct supervision to replace defective electronic components on a production bench.Basic wiring diagrams and schematic drawings — read and interpret with guidance to support unit assembly in an electronics manufacturing environment.Standard test equipment such as multimeters and oscilloscopes — set up and operate under supervision to measure voltage and continuity on discrete components.Electrical blueprints and engineering instructions — follow step-by-step to assemble prototype circuitry according to a technician's direction.Electronic components and assemblies — identify and handle using proper ESD protocols on an assembly floor under a senior technician's oversight.Routine maintenance checklists — execute under supervision to inspect and clean electronics equipment in a controlled lab setting.Equipment malfunction symptoms — recognize and document accurately while assisting experienced technicians during diagnostic sessions.Technical manuals and safety standards — reference to select correct hand or power tools for assigned assembly tasks in a workshop environment.Engineering work orders and verbal instructions — receive, clarify, and act on to complete assigned repair and assembly tasks within a production schedule.Basic electronic theory and component knowledge — apply under guidance to support bench-level troubleshooting of low-complexity circuits.
developing
Defective electronic components — diagnose and replace with reduced oversight using hand tools and precision instruments in a field or lab environment.Specialized test equipment including signal generators and logic analyzers — configure and operate independently to evaluate the performance of electronic assemblies.Wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, and engineering instructions — interpret without assistance to guide the assembly and modification of electronics systems.Equipment malfunctions — isolate root causes using systematic troubleshooting methods and coordinate with manufacturers or field representatives to procure replacement parts.Electronic prototypes and circuitry assemblies — build and test according to engineering instructions and technical manuals, adapting to minor design revisions.Electrical engineering review checklists — apply to verify that completed assemblies conform to applicable codes, standards, and design specifications.CAD and analytical software tools — use to review circuit layouts and record test data within an engineering department workflow.Maintenance schedules for electronics equipment — manage independently, performing recurring inspections and preventive repairs to minimize system downtime.Verbal and written technical reports — produce clearly to communicate test results, repair actions, and component status to engineers and supervisors.Systems analysis techniques — employ to evaluate how component-level changes affect overall circuit or equipment performance in a mixed-technology environment.
proficient
Complex electronics systems and subsystems — troubleshoot, repair, and modify autonomously across the full scope of equipment types in field and laboratory settings.Non-routine equipment malfunctions — resolve independently by applying advanced diagnostic reasoning, engaging vendor technical support when design-level issues arise.Full suite of standard and specialized test instrumentation — select, calibrate, and operate to perform comprehensive performance analysis of high-complexity electronic assemblies.Multidisciplinary engineering drawings and schematics — read, cross-reference, and reconcile to ensure accurate assembly and compliance with electrical codes and standards.Engineering review of electrical plans — conduct thoroughly to verify adherence to design specifications, applicable codes, and regulatory requirements before fabrication.Prototype circuitry and electronic systems — assemble, test, and iterate using precision hand tools and measuring instruments within an R&D or advanced manufacturing context.Analytical and development software environments — leverage to model, simulate, and validate circuit behavior and system integration parameters.Technical documentation including test procedures, repair histories, and compliance records — author with precision to support quality assurance and audit readiness.Cross-functional coordination with engineers, vendors, and field representatives — lead to diagnose systemic failures and implement durable corrective actions.Emerging technologies and updated industry standards — evaluate and incorporate into maintenance and repair practices to keep systems current and compliant.
advanced
Organizational competency frameworks for electronics technologists — design and implement to standardize practices, elevate team capability, and align with business objectives.Complex, multi-system technical problems — lead resolution efforts at organizational scale, drawing on deep systems analysis and guiding less experienced technicians through the process.Engineering and technical standards adoption — champion across departments, ensuring all design reviews, assembly processes, and test protocols reflect current codes and best practices.Mentorship and on-the-job training programs — develop and deliver to build proficiency in schematic interpretation, test equipment operation, and fault diagnosis among junior staff.Capital equipment selection and test infrastructure — evaluate, recommend, and oversee deployment to improve diagnostic accuracy and operational efficiency enterprise-wide.Strategic maintenance and reliability programs — establish and govern for large electronics equipment portfolios, reducing unplanned downtime and optimizing lifecycle costs.Technical risk assessments for new product introductions or system upgrades — lead by applying advanced knowledge of electronic theory, codes, and manufacturing processes.Cross-organizational technical communication — represent the team to engineering leadership, clients, and regulatory bodies, translating complex findings into actionable decisions.Continuous improvement initiatives for assembly, test, and repair workflows — drive using data from analytical software, quality records, and team performance metrics.Succession planning and knowledge transfer — orchestrate by documenting institutional expertise in troubleshooting, system modification, and compliance review for long-term organizational resilience.
Also known as
112 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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