How to become an electrical and electronics engineering technologist or technician
Official title: Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
Also called: Test technician, Laser technician, Radar technician, Sonar technician, Optics technologist, Metrics technologist, Metrology technician, Satellite technician, Electrical technician, Lighting technologist, Metering technologist, Electronics technician
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians may work independently or provide technical support and services in the design, development, testing, production and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems. They are employed by electrical utilities, communications companies, manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment, consulting firms, and in governments and a wide range of manufacturing, processing and transportation industries.
Main tasks
- Electrical and electronics engineering technologists
- Design, develop and test power equipment and systems, industrial process control systems, telecommunication, broadcast, recording and audiovisual systems, microelectronic systems and circuits, computers, computer systems and networks, and computer software
- Supervise the building and testing of prototypes according to general instructions and established standards
- Conduct or supervise the installation, commissioning, and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems other than aircraft electronics or instruments
- Carry out applied research in fields of electrical and electronic engineering and physics under the direction of scientists or engineers
- Set up and operate specialized and standard test equipment to diagnose, test and analyze the performance of electrical and electronic components, assemblies and systems
- Write specifications, schedules and technical reports and control schedules and budgets
- Electrical and electronics engineering technicians
How to become one
Completion of a two- or three-year college program in electrical or electronics engineering technology, computer engineering technology, telecommunications technology or an equivalent is usually required for electrical or electronics engineering technologists. Completion of a one- or two-year college program in electrical or electronics engineering technology is usually required for electrical or electronics engineering technicians. Certification in electrical or electronics engineering technology or in a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required for some positions. A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification. In Quebec, membership in the regulatory body for professional technologists is required to use the title "Professional Technologist."
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 58% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Electrical/electronic engineering technologies/technicians; Electrical, electronics and communications engineering; Electromechanical technologies/technicians.
- Licence or registration: In Quebec, membership in the regulatory body for professional technologists is required to use the title "Professional Technologist."
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $69,381 a year The middle half earn $56,258 to $88,121.
- About 28,500 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 31,100 are projected by 2033. (+9.1%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
Related jobs
- Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
- Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
- Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors
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Questions people ask
How do I become an electrical and electronics engineering technologist or technician?
Completion of a two- or three-year college program in electrical or electronics engineering technology, computer engineering technology, telecommunications technology or an equivalent is usually required for electrical or electronics engineering technologists. Completion of a one- or two-year college program in electrical or electronics engineering technology is usually required for electrical or electronics engineering technicians. Certification in electrical or electronics engineering technology or in a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required for some positions. A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification. In Quebec, membership in the regulatory body for professional technologists is required to use the title "Professional Technologist."
How much does an electrical and electronics engineering technologist or technician earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $69,381 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $56,258 to $88,121.
Is an electrical and electronics engineering technologist or technician a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9% by 2033, from about 28,500 to about 31,100 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an electrical and electronics engineering technologist or technician?
Usually not. Only 18% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03