Electrical Engineering
What Electrical Engineering Graduates Do
Your career could take you from an office to a high-tech lab. As an electrical engineer, you might use computer-aided design (CAD) software to map out the power grid for a new skyscraper before heading to the job site to solve installation challenges. Or, as a computer hardware engineer, you could be in a cleanroom, using logic analyzers and soldering irons to build and test the next generation of wireless communication chips.
You'll begin by supporting senior engineers, but with experience, you'll lead your own projects. Many graduates advance into management roles, overseeing teams and multi-million dollar budgets, where earnings potential is highest. Several of these engineering paths are growing faster than average, creating strong, consistent demand for skilled professionals.
While software and AI are changing the field by automating routine drafting and analysis, they can't replace a skilled engineer. These tools free you up to focus on creative design, hands-on troubleshooting of complex systems, and client collaboration—tasks that require human ingenuity and expertise to get the job done.
Registered Apprenticeship Pathways
The U.S. Department of Labor recognizes 1 registered apprenticeship occupation related to Electrical Engineering. Apprenticeships let you earn while you learn — most have zero tuition costs and pay wages from day one.
| Apprenticeship | Training Hours | Type | Salary RangeSalary | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Aerospace Engineer
RAPIDS 2069HY |
2000-4000 hrs | Hybrid | $105K – $134,830 – $174K | 6.1% |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database (RAPIDS). Wages and job growth from Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034 projections.
Best Schools for Electrical Engineering
2 schools ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click any row for full earnings projections and AI-proof analysis.
| # | School | Score | EarningsEarn | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electrical and HVAC/R Training Center Copiague, NY |
46 39–49 |
$34,375/yr | — |
| 2 | Southern Technical College Orlando, FL |
43 36–46 |
$30,091/yr | — |
Highest Earning Electrical Engineering Programs
Schools where Electrical Engineering graduates earn the most in their first year after graduation.
| School | 1-Year Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and HVAC/R Training Center | $34,375/yr | 46 |
| Southern Technical College | $30,091/yr | 43 |
Related Majors
Explore similar fields of study.
Considering a 4-Year Degree?
Compare the trade route with a bachelor's degree. See how Electrical Engineering degree programs stack up on earnings, AI disruption risk, and ROI.