How to become an electrical and electronics engineer
Official title: Electrical and electronics engineers
Also called: Meter engineer, Radar engineer, Signal engineer, Antenna engineer, Avionics engineer, Metrology engineer, Electrical engineer, Electronics engineer, Circuit design engineer, Radio research engineer, Control systems engineer, Instrumentation engineer
Electrical and electronics engineers design, plan, research, evaluate and test electrical and electronic equipment and systems. They are employed by electrical utilities, communications companies, manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment, consulting firms, and by a wide range of manufacturing, processing and transportation industries and government.
Main tasks
- Conduct research into the feasibility, design, operation and performance of electrical generation and distribution networks, electrical machinery and components and electronic communications, instrumentation and control systems, equipment, and components
- Prepare material cost and timing estimates, reports and design specifications for electrical and electronic systems and equipment
- Design electrical and electronic circuits, components, systems and equipment
- Conduct micro or nanodevices simulations, characterization, process modeling and integration in the development of new electronic devices and products
- Supervise and inspect the installation, modification, testing and operation of electrical and electronic systems and equipment
- Develop maintenance and operating standards for electrical and electronic systems and equipment
- Investigate electrical or electronic failures
- Prepare contract documents and evaluate tenders for construction or maintenance
How to become one
A bachelor's degree in electrical or electronics engineering or in an appropriate related engineering discipline is required. A master's or doctoral degree in a related engineering discipline may be required. Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.). Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is offered by the Canada Green Building Council and may be required by some employers.
Ways in
- University: Engineering degrees, Offered by 15 universities in Canada
- Licence or registration: Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $98,807 a year The middle half earn $77,961 to $126,750.
- About 41,300 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 46,100 are projected by 2033. (+11.6%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an electrical and electronics engineer?
A bachelor's degree in electrical or electronics engineering or in an appropriate related engineering discipline is required. A master's or doctoral degree in a related engineering discipline may be required. Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.). Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is offered by the Canada Green Building Council and may be required by some employers.
How much does an electrical and electronics engineer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $98,807 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $77,961 to $126,750.
Is an electrical and electronics engineer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 12% by 2033, from about 41,300 to about 46,100 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an electrical and electronics engineer?
Usually. 89% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
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