What Can You Do with an Electronics Engineering Degree? Career Paths, Salaries, and Benefits

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Electronics Engineering is a major in which engineers learn to use non-linear and active electrical components to make devices, circuits, and systems. Electronics engineering is responsible for all of the electronics gadgets that we use every day, from our phones to the watches all are designed, and created by electronics engineers. Everything that contains a PCB (printed circuit board) is designed and created by electronics engineers.

Electronics Engineering is also one of those majors that can help you get multiple jobs in different industries. Apart from that, it offers many jobs that pay very well. Electronics engineers are not bound to work in one industry, which means you can work in any type of company you want. You can work in a company that creates circuits, or a company that creates airplanes, or cars. Most of the time, your job will be the same, but you will have the opportunity to explore more than one industry. Below is a list of the top fifteen career choices in Electronics Engineering that you have.

Top 15 Career Choices After an Electronics Engineering Degree:

Here are the top fifteen best, and highest paying career choices after an Electronics Engineering degree.

  • Electronics Engineer
  • Project Engineer
  • Electronics Technician
  • Secondary Teacher
  • Hardware Engineer
  • Software Engineer
  • RC Devices Engineer
  • Security Engineer
  • R&D Scientist
  • Sales Engineer
  • Communication Products Engineer
  • Spacecraft Engineer
  • Integrated Circuits Engineer
  • Electronics Equipment Controller
  • University Professor

Below is the detail about each of these career choices in Electronics Engineering.

1. Electronics Engineer:

After completing your education in the field of electronics engineering, you can get the job of electronics engineer. You will be responsible for creating and designing different circuits and electronic devices. Apart from that, you will also be responsible for testing the devices and making sure that they are capable of performing the intended tasks. This job requires a deeper knowledge of the working principle of electronic circuits so that you can design and create devices that work according to the requirements. It is one of those professions where you can easily make a six-figure salary.

You can get this job after the bachelor’s degree but having advanced education can increase your salary and other job benefits. According to BLS, the median income of an electronics engineer is about $103,390, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $150,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $65,000. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 313,200 and the job outlook data shows a growth rate of 7% for the next decade. This is an average fast job growth rate that means there will be more jobs in the future but there will also be a lot of competition.

2. Engineering Project Manager:

You can also become an engineering project manager after completing your education in the field of electronics engineering. Electronic engineering companies hire project managers to oversee the staff that is working on electronic circuits and devices. They make sure that everything works fine and the company can meet its financial goals. It is a management job but as you have to manage an engineering project, you must have an engineering degree, in this case, an electronics engineering degree would be preferred.

This is also a six-figure salary providing a job but it requires having some experience and at least a master’s degree. According to BLS, the median income of a project manager is about $149,530, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $208,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $80,000. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 197,800 and the job outlook data shows a growth rate of 4% for the next decade. This is one of the slowest growth rates in this field that means there will be a lot of competition and only a few thousand jobs.

3. Electronics Technician:

You can also become an electronics technician after completing your degree in electronics engineering as a major. The job of an electronics technician is to help with electronics devices and circuits. They not only create designs but test, manufacture, install and repair these products as well. That is why they are always in huge demand. From automotive companies to aerospace agencies all hire professionals with skills in electronics engineering to create devices for their projects. This may not be one of the highest-paying jobs after an engineering degree, but it is one of those jobs that offer a stable income stream.

You can expect your salary to be higher than an average electronics technician as you will have an electronics engineering degree. According to BLS, the median income of an electronics technician is about $62,020, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $105,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $50,000. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 116,600 and the job outlook data shows a growth rate of 2% for the next decade. The slow growth rate means there will be fewer jobs in the future.

4. Electronics Teacher:

Another job that you can get after a degree in electronics engineering is the job of an electronics teacher. Electronics teachers work in different educational institutes, where students learn about electronics. For example, vocational institutes, high school, diploma awarding colleges, and universities. Most of these jobs require having some field experience, and at least a master’s or doctorate.

For colleges and universities, a higher degree is mandatory, meanwhile, in vocational training centers, only practical knowledge and experience are required. According to BLS, the median income of an electronics teacher is about $103,600, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $150,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $60,000. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 38,520 and the job outlook data shows a growth rate of 5% for the next decade. According to this data, there are some teaching jobs available but there is also a lot of competition in this field.

5. Hardware Engineer:

You can also become a computer hardware engineer after completing your electronics engineering degree. Computer hardware comprises multiple electronics components that are designed by the communication and electronics engineer. Your job will be to design, create, install, integrate and repair these electronics components that are used in computational devices. All the skills that you need for this job you can learn during your course of studies at college. You will learn hardware development subjects that will teach you how computers work and how you can create computer components, sensors, or PCBs.

You can get this job after a bachelor’s degree but a master’s and doctorate can increase your chances of employment. Apart from that, people with a master’s degree and doctorate are paid better as compared to a bachelor’s degree holder. According to BLS, the median income of a hardware engineer is about $119,560, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $170,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $70,000. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 66,200 and the job outlook data shows a growth rate of 2% for the next decade. This is one of the slowest growth rates in this profession. That means there is a lot of competition and only a few jobs are available.

6. Software Engineer:

Software engineering might not look like a job that people would think that they can get after a degree in electronics engineering. But it is one of the most popular jobs among those with an electronics degree. An electronics degree is related to computer science and hardware engineering and that is why electronics engineers have to learn the basic principles of computer programming that leads them towards a career in software engineering. It is one of those out-of-field jobs that can help you make a good salary. Also, you will be able to work remotely and as a freelancer.

This type of job for electronics engineering graduates usually includes training in formal computer programming and on-the-job training sessions. According to BLS, the median income of a computer programmer is about $89,190, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $140,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $50,000. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 185,700 and the job outlook data shows the growth rate of -10% for the next decade. A minus growth rate means that there will be fewer jobs in this profession in the future.

7. RC Devices Engineer:

Another job that you can get after a degree in electronics engineering is the job of a remote-controlled devices engineer. This is a job that requires knowledge of robotics, electronics, and communication technology. This is a multi-discipline job but electronics engineers are the ones that usually work on this type of project. The job of a remote-controlled devices engineer is to make devices that can be controlled by remotes. From smaller remote-controlled toys to larger remotely controlled unmanned aerial vehicles. All require electronics engineers to work on them.

You can get this job after a bachelor’s degree but having a master’s can be a plus as well. According to BLS, the median income of a remote-controlled devices engineer is about $103,390, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $150,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $50,000. It is one of those jobs that can offer you a six-figure salary after a bachelor’s degree. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 313,200 and the job outlook data shows a growth rate of 7% for the next decade. There is also a lot of competition in this field as well.

8. Security Products Engineer:

You can also become a security engineer after completing your education in the field of electronics engineering. There are a lot of security devices that we use daily. are designed by engineers. Electronics engineers are the ones who design, create, test, and manufacture, and sell these products. There are a lot of security products manufacturing companies that hire professional electronics engineers to oversee the manufacturer of the product or new research on new products.

Electronic locks, electric doors, laser-based motion sensors, sound sensors to detect sounds, temperature sensors, and other devices that are integrated into security systems are a few examples of security products designed by electronics engineers. According to BLS, the median income of a security engineer is about $103,590, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $150,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $50,000. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 141,200 and the job outlook data shows a growth rate of 33% for the next decade. This is one of the fastest growth rates in engineering professions.

9. Research and Development Scientist:

You can also become a research and development engineer after completing your education in the field of electronics engineering. There are many areas of research and development in electronics and many international companies are investing billions of dollars in it. For example, Apple, Samsung, HP, Verizon, and other tech giants are investing billions in their research and development projects. Most of these research projects are related to manufacturing new products. All of these devices require circuits to work and electronics engineers are the ones who help design these circuits for these research projects.

This is a job that you can only get if you are extremely good at your job, or if you have the highest education. Having a doctorate will positively impact your employability. According to BLS, the median income of a research and development scientist is about $126,830, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $160,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $60,000. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 33,000 and the job outlook data shows a growth rate of 22% for the next decade. As you can see that only a few thousand positions are available which means there will be a lot of competition in this field.

10. sales Engineer:

After completing your education with an electronics engineering major, you can also become a sales engineer. The job of a sales engineer is to sell complex engineering products to customers. Mostly, these customers are industry leaders or businesses that might need your product. You go to them, explain the working of your products and how your product will benefit your clients. For example, an electronics engineering company salesmen, who sell security equipment to security providing firms. This job requires deeper knowledge of the product, and the ability to talk to an audience perfectly.

If you are good at communication or persuasive talking, you should apply for these jobs. These jobs not only provide the salary but also commissions in sales. According to BLS, the median income of a sales engineer is about $108,830, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $165,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $50,000. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 63,800 and the job outlook data shows a growth rate of 8% for the next decade. This is an average fast growth rate but promises that there will be more jobs in the future.

11. Communication Products Engineer:

After completing your degree with an electronics engineering major, you can become a communication product engineer and work at companies that produce communication products. Electronics engineering is a multipurpose degree in which you learn about creating multiple devices that can be used for various purposes including communication. Many electronics engineering graduates work in communication and telecom companies. They create products, design, test, implement, and install them for these companies. You can get these jobs after a bachelor’s degree but a master’s and doctorate can also play an important role in your career.

This job might require some on-the-job safety training as communication engineers sometimes have to work in alleviated places. According to BLS, the median income of a communication products engineer is about $103,390, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $160,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $70,000. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 313,200 and the job outlook data shows a growth rate of 7% for the next decade. They are aware of both the software and hardware aspects of these devices, which is why they are more suitable for these jobs as compared to other engineers.

12. Spacecraft Engineer:

You can also become a spacecraft engineer after completing your degree in electronics engineering. Spacecrafts and aircraft contain a lot of electrical equipment that is sensitive and needs to be properly installed. That is where the electronics engineers come into the scene, they not only design these devices but also install and maintain them and make sure that these devices work properly. Many space agencies, airline companies, and airports hire professionals with electronics engineering degrees to do these jobs.

Aerospace engineering requires having at least a master’s degree to get the job. Apart from that, you may also have to go through extensive on-the-job training to understand all the prospects of safety and proper working. According to BLS, the median income of an aerospace engineer is about $118,610, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $160,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $70,950. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 61,400 and the job outlook data shows a growth rate of 8% for the next decade. This is an average fast growth rate, which means there will be more jobs in the future but with some competition.

13. Integrated Circuits Designer:

You can also become an integrated circuit designer after completing your education. This is a type of job that integrated circuits engineers do, but they are also a part of electronics engineering disciplines. That means, electronics engineering graduates not only have the knowledge but also the skills to do this job. This is a basically designer job where you design circuits with theoretical knowledge and electronics engineers produce and test these circuits to see if they do the intended work perfectly or not. If the device is doing intended work, your company would sell those products or patents to other companies or start to manufacture these products for consumers.

Most of these circuits are used in smaller devices and sensors and have one or two major functions. You can get this job even after a bachelor’s degree but would need some training to work in an office environment. According to BLS, the median income of an IC designer is about $119,560, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $160,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $65,000. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 66,200 and the job outlook data shows a growth rate of 2% for the next decade. According to this data, there is a lot of competition for this job.

14. Electronics Equipment Operator:

This is also a job that you can get after completing your degree in electronics engineering. In this profession, you will be responsible for properly operating the electronics equipment that is being used for any purpose. These types of jobs are mostly related to huge research projects. For example, the Large Hadron Collider, which is one of the largest particle-level research facilities in the world, needs many engineers to work on operating it at the same time. Your job will be controlling, operating, maintaining, and checking the electronics equipment being used in the experiment station to make sure that everything is working fine.

This is mostly a research and development-related job, and also requires a lot of knowledge of electronics equipment operation. That is why highly qualified electronics engineers are hired for this type of job. According to BLS, the median income of an equipment operator is about $69,100, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $100,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $40,000. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 45,720 and the job outlook data shows a growth rate of 5% for the next decade. New jobs are available in this but there is also a lot of competition.

15. University Professor:

You can also become a university professor and teach electronics engineering at the university level after completing your education in electronics engineering. These types of jobs require at least a doctorate and some background in research and development. So, if you have been working on any of the research areas in electronics engineering, you can teach that in universities.

Professors and university teachers get some of the highest salaries among teachers. According to BLS, the median income of a university professor is about $80,560, while the top ten percent earners can make more than $160,000 per year and the lowest ten percent earners make $60,000. As of 2020, the total number of jobs in this field was about 1,276,900 and the job outlook data shows a growth rate of 12% for the next decade. According to this data, there are a lot of jobs available in this profession but to teach at the university level, you will have to compete with the best in your field.

Benefits and Salaries for Electronics Engineering-Related Jobs:

Job PositionRequirementsNumber of JobsJob outlookMedian Income
Electronics EngineerBachelor-Master-Ph.D.313,2007%$103,390
Automotive EngineerBachelor-Master-Ph.D.197,8005%$149,530
Electronics TechnicianBachelor-Master-Ph.D.116,6002%$62,020
Electronics TeacherBachelor-Master-Ph.D.38,5205% $103,600
Hardware EngineerBachelor-Master-Ph.D.66,2002%$119,560
Software EngineerBachelor-Master-Ph.D.185,700-10%$89,190
RC Devices EngineerBachelor-Master-Ph.D.313,2007%$103,390
Security EngineerBachelor-Master-Ph.D.141,20033%$103,590
R&D EngineerBachelor-Master-Ph.D.33,00022%$126,830
Sales EngineerBachelor-Master-Ph.D.63,8008%$108,830
Communication EngineerBachelor-Master-Ph.D.313,2007%$103,390
Spacecraft EngineerBachelor-Master-Ph.D.61,4008%$118,610
Integrated Circuits EngineerBachelor-Master-Ph.D.66,2002%$119,560
Electronics Equipment OperatorBachelor-Master-Ph.D.45,7205%$69,100
Teacher, Lecturer, ProfessorBachelor-Master-Ph.D.1,276,90012%$80,560

Note:(Bachelors for the job and Masters for further promotion) data source bls.gov

Types of Electronics Engineering Degrees:

Here is the list of the top three degrees that you can do with an Electronics Engineering major.

1.   Bachelor’s Degree:

This is the first degree after high school that you will need to become an electronics engineer. You will need to take electronics engineering for a college major in bachelor. You will have to study for four years at college or university. After that, you will do some internships and will be ready to become a professional electronics engineer. This degree can cost up to $200,000 in total.

2.   Master’s Degree:

A Master’s degree in electronics engineering is for those who want to get the most advanced skills and knowledge in their field. It takes two years to complete and requires studying, doing research, and internships for practical knowledge. It can cost up to $100,000 depending on your living conditions.

3.   Ph.D. or Doctorate:

A doctorate or Ph.D. in electronics engineering is a research-based degree and can take 4 to 8 years to complete. It requires studying the latest research on the subject and doing some research of your own. It also requires publishing your research work in scientific journals. This degree can cost you more than $200,000.

Skills You Will Learn From Electronics Engineering Degree:

  • Problem-solving
  • Computer science
  • Industry skills
  • Pressure management
  • Teamwork
  • Creativity
  • Structural analysis
  • Communication
  • Dealing with clients

Conclusion:

Electronics engineering is one of those disciplines that not only offer jobs in many different industries but also provide some of the highest salaries. It offers many jobs that provide a six-figure salary just after a bachelor’s degree. But it is a technical degree and requires a lot of effort, consistency, and hard work. If you are looking for an easy degree, it is not for you, but if you are looking for a slightly difficult degree that can provide the best working conditions and highest salaries in the United States, it is a major that you should take.

FAQs:

Question: Is Electronic Engineering a good career?

Answer: Yes, electronics engineering is one of the best career choices for many young students. It is a good choice for those who are interested in learning the science behind complex systems, such as computers, and want to know how these things work. This is a difficult major and career and those who are looking for an easy choice, should not choose it but those who are curious to learn and want to make good salaries should take electronics engineering.

Question: How hard is electronics engineering?

Answer: It is a science major that requires studying physics, chemistry, engineering, and mathematics in detail. All of these are very difficult subjects and can give you a hard time. But if you study with consistency, and keep doing your work on time, you can complete your degree with good grades and can get a good job after that easily.

Question: What does electronic engineering include?

Answer: Electronics engineering includes many subjects such as mathematics, physics, engineering, printable circuit board engineering, communication system engineering, hardware devices engineering, knowledge of linear properties of current, and how to implement it to make devices.

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