How to become an Electronics Engineer
Official title: Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Also called: Compatibility Test Engineer, Design Engineer, Electronics Design Engineer, Engineer, Evaluation Engineer, Integrated Circuit Design Engineer (IC Design Engineer), Product Engineer, Radio Frequency Engineer (RF Engineer), Research and Development Engineer (R and D Engineer), Test Engineer
Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.
Main tasks
- Design electronic components, software, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, medical, military, or scientific applications.
- Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform electronics engineering tasks.
- Evaluate project work to ensure effectiveness, technical adequacy, or compatibility in the resolution of complex electronics engineering problems.
- Direct or coordinate activities concerned with manufacture, construction, installation, maintenance, operation, or modification of electronic equipment, products, or systems.
- Confer with engineers, customers, vendors, or others to discuss existing or potential electronics engineering projects or products.
- Provide technical support or instruction to staff or customers regarding electronics equipment standards.
- Recommend repair or design modifications of electronics components or systems, based on factors such as environment, service, cost, or system capabilities.
- Prepare documentation containing information such as confidential descriptions or specifications of proprietary hardware or software, product development or introduction schedules, product costs, or information about product performance weaknesses.
How to become one
Electrical and electronics engineers typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a related engineering field. Employers also value practical experience, such as internships or participation in cooperative engineering programs.
Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree
Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Ways in
- College: Engineering degrees, Offered by 36 universities in the US
- College: Computing & IT degrees, Offered by 34 universities in the US
- Licence: A licence is required in 46 states.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Median pay: $130,220 a year The middle half earn $101,680 to $167,670.
- About 98,200 people work in this job now, and about 101,800 are projected by 2035. (+3.7%)
- People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.
Related jobs
- Electrical Engineers
- Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
- Transportation Engineers
- Water/Wastewater Engineers
- Environmental Engineers
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
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Questions people ask
How do I become an Electronics Engineer?
Electrical and electronics engineers typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a related engineering field. Employers also value practical experience, such as internships or participation in cooperative engineering programs.
How much does an Electronics Engineer earn in the US?
Median full-time pay is $130,220 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $101,680 to $167,670.
Is an Electronics Engineer a growing career in the US?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 98,200 to about 101,800 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Do you need a degree to become an Electronics Engineer?
Usually. 84% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of an Electronics Engineer?
People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.
Sources
- Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.