The Value of a Continuing Engineering Education. Monster. From playing with LEGO to being an active member of my high-school robotics team, I loved building things and breaking them down to learn how they worked. Engineers in California averaged $97,250 per year. Since technology evolves rapidly, many electrical engineers continue with more classes often leading to master's or even Ph.D. degrees. Disadvantages of being a mechanical engineer . However, the advantages of a career in electrical engineering can certainly overcome the disadvantages for someone interested in the field. Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of becoming an engineer. Electrical engineering is a fascinating career with many benefits. Because a PE license is not a requirement for many engineering jobs, recent engineering graduates often wonder if the amount of work it takes to become a PE is worth it. The range of earnings spread from $53,510 at the 10th percentile to $126,810 at the 90th percentile. The bachelor's requires a full program of physics, math and laboratory science classes, plus specialized courses such as circuits, linear systems and control systems. Once you’ve earned a license from your state’s licensure board, you must continually maintain and improve your skills to retain the license. However, accidents can happen, especially with inexperienced workers. Electrical engineers in the District of Columbia and Maine also had annual wages averaging more than $96,000 and $94,000, respectively. According to the Bureau for Labor Statistics, the median salary is over $85,000. With such a wide range of career options and working conditions, the salary and benefits for electrical engineers can vary. Pay for engineering techs varies greatly by industry and occupation. In order to ensure relevancy as technology advances, continuing education is a requirement of various engineering licenses. That being said, it’s important to listen to your peers and get along — they often have something very useful to say and want to work with you. MS degree in Electrical Engineering configuration, create, test and maintain the capacity and execution of airplane, spaceships, satellites, rockets and weapon systems. The Disadvantages of Being an Engineering Technician. What is a PE? A career in mechanical engineering allows you to build a better future for you, and for the world. Power industry career. Build your world - mechanical engineers get the best of both worlds. Electricians are on the front line of dangerous jobs along with firefighters, loggers, deep-sea fishermen, construction laborers, and tractor-trailer truck drivers. From electrical and computer engineering, to environmental and biomedical engineering, an engineering degree offers a wide range of career possibilities. Such dangers include the possibility of electrical shock. A livable wage: Now, a person should not work in a job solely for the high pay. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. They work in cutting-edge technology including satellite television and computer networks spanning the globe. 4. When you apply your electrical engineering education, you’re equipped with the skill to avoid these situations. In order to become a satellite engineer, you'll typically need to complete a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a related engineering field. However, the reality is different, and most people, at minimum, want to make a decent wage. Being an electrical engineer allows for the stability and day-to-day comfortable atmosphere of a long-term career while providing the mental-stimulation and gratification of an artist. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Being an electric engineer is a matter of pride and prestige. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual income of electrical engineers in 2009 was $86,250 per year for 151,660 electrical engineers nationwide. In fact, here are the top five benefits of being an electrician. The Job Growth has already flooded the industry, as the demand for someone with AI skills has already doubled over the past few years. Prestige. This will allow contractors to know where everything is going. With content developed by engineering and technology experts from across IEEE, the ILN provides more than 700 hours of training available whenever and wherever you are ready to learn. Electrical engineers trace their history back to the great inventors, including Ben Franklin, Samuel F. B. Morse and John Ambrose Fleming, whose diode tube started the age of electronics. Electrical engineers continue to develop and improve inventions such as radio, television, computers and spacecraft that make the modern world modern. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., lists more than 35 specialties, including acoustics, speech and signal processing, broadcast technology, control systems, electron devices, industrial electronics, magnetics and robotics. ? National Society of Professional Engineers. In certain engineering fields, such as electrical engineering, a PE license might be preferred but is generally not necessary. The dangers of being an electrician can vary with the type of work you’re performing. We’re excited to announce the launch of the IEEE Learning Network (ILN), an easy-to-use learning management system. Determining a career path Carter Burks, Senior Electrical Engineer, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control: (24 May 2016). In certain engineering fields, such as electrical engineering, a PE license might be preferred but is generally not necessary. By using our websites, you agree to the placement of these cookies. © Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) IEEE – All rights reserved. The Power of the PE License. (Image via Tennesse State University) 4. Let us talk about the pros and cons of being a computer engineer. The ROI of a Professional Engineer license: Is it worth it? A not-for-profit organization, IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology The basic requirement for an electrical engineer is a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. Salaries for electrical engineers are substantial, and may increase even further with a PE license or graduate degree. Electrical engineers benefit from a high level of education. Gonzalez, Carlos. Being an engineer your entire life won't get you to living in a massive mansion, but it will ensure that you don't miss bills and live comfortably. Preparing your organization for emerging technologies, IEEE websites place cookies on your device to give you the best user experience. A Professional Engineer (PE) license requires a four-year engineering degree, four or more years of progressive experience under a professional engineer (in most states), and a multidisciplinary understanding of physical and engineering principles as proven through a competency exam. A rogue AA battery nearby could be caught in an electrical arc, causing a small explosion. The advantages of being an Electrical Engineer Posted by foredox February 18, 2008 November 20, 2013 Posted in Technology Tags: Computer , Electrical , Engineer , India , Network , Science I recently talked to a bunch of disillusioned Electrical … Kent, PE, Jason. Electrical engineers face a business and technology landscape that changes dramatically over the decades of a career. An electrical engineer is one of the high profile jobs out there. How Dangerous is Being an Electrician? Menu . This explains why 89% of engineers have high levels of job satisfaction, and would choose the same career path again. It delivers online education on the latest topics in engineering, technology, and more. Electrical engineers in Massachusetts averaged $100,740 per year, and those in Alaska averaged $100,250 per year. Respect and Recognition. Nationwide Figures In May of 2010, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics completed a survey and determined that electrical engineers made an average of $87,770 a year. ... chemical or environmental and electrical specializations. Electrical engineers also earn great benefits, such as education reimbursement, … Although mechanical engineers do receive favorable advancement opportunities, generally these don't come easy. Electrical engineers earn superior pay in a profession that has a proud history and offers a diversity of opportunities. Electrical engineers draw on a thorough knowledge of science and mathematics to solve problems and move complex projects forward. Applicants needed a BSEE and four years of experience, although a master's degree in electrical engineering was preferred. 6. Top Ten Benefits of an Engineering Career. Applications & Tools; Blogging; Business; Design; DIY Many electrical engineers also have master's degrees or even Ph.D. degrees. For example in manufacturing the role of an engineer will differ from what a power industry or microprocessor engineer would do. Successful professionals in the field need a solid foundation in methods for analyzing, building and maintaining electrical equipment and systems. The sub categories of an EE would be power, electronics, control systems, signal processing and telecommunications. As an electrician for over 40 years, I can say that being an electrician has disadvantages that an engineer doesn’t. The Value of a Continuing Engineering Education, Several States are Embracing Distributed Energy Resources to Achieve Clean Energy Targets, Advance Your Career with the IEEE Learning Network (ILN) - IEEE Innovation at Work. Engineers who prefer to advance within electrical engineering can aspire to positions such as project engineer, engineering specialist or chief engineer. This allows engineers to get the credits necessary to maintain their professional licenses and advance their […]. What Skills Should an Electrical Engineer Have? For example in manufacturing the role of an engineer will differ from what a power industry or microprocessor engineer would do. The ROI of a Professional Engineer license: Is it worth it? But the majority of today’s college graduates will have more than one career during their work life, and engineering can provide a strong foundation for almost any one of them. Graduate electrical engineers can work in a variety of specialties, depending on course work and job experience. Mechanical Engineer Salaries The nation’s 291,290 mechanical engineers averaged $43.99 per hour or $91,500 per year as of May 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Though electrical engineering offers desirable advantages, it also comes with personal risk and mild job security concerns. After school, an engineer will obtain a position with industry specific electrical work. Engineering technicians work in a variety of roles. Even when starting out, a person can make $20,000 a year with full benefits. However, there are several benefits of holding this license, even when it’s not mandatory for employment. Electrical engineers trace their history back to the great inventors, including Ben Franklin, Samuel F. B. Morse and John Ambrose Fleming, whose diode tube started the age of electronics. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.: Your Career in the Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering Fields, Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages; Electrical Engineers; May 2009, Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Engineers, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc, National Society of Professional Engineers. “The top trait for a successful electrical engineer, or any engineer for that matter, is…” A commitment to grow professionally throughout his or her career – to be a lifelong learner. Continuing education courses can provide increased confidence in the knowledge from every level— from senior engineers to those just entering the workforce. In addition, an electrical engineering diploma can serve as a springboard to a career in a related field such as computer science or biomedical engineering. Machine Design. 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