Electricity is a fundamental part of our lives — without it, modern society would collapse. That said, it is extremely hazardous and requires skilled professionals in the form of electrical engineers to harness it effectively. This raises the question — is electrical engineering worth it as a career choice?
Electrical engineers are tasked with designing, developing, and maintaining systems that utilize this magnificent form of energy.
A lot of responsibility comes with this profession. It also requires years of study and practice and significant financial investment.
So, how do you determine whether it’s worth investing in a career as an electrical engineer?
In this article, we discuss whether electrical engineering is a viable career option by looking at its employment and financial prospects.
Additionally, we discuss some of the key benefits of studying this form of engineering.
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Table of Contents
What Is Electrical Engineering And What Does It Involve?
Electrical engineering is the engineering branch that deals with electricity technology. It covers a wide range of fields, from designing electrical circuits and electronic devices to generating and distributing electricity.
Electrical engineers are involved in everything from developing new power plants to maintaining existing electrical infrastructure. They also work on various consumer products like cell phones and computers.
With such a broad range of responsibilities, electrical engineers need a strong foundation in physics and mathematics. They must also work effectively in teams and communicate their ideas effectively.
Given the demanding nature of the profession, electrical engineering can be a challenging field to break into. However, those willing to put in the hard work can find it an enriching career.
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Is Electrical Engineering Worth It To Study?
As anyone who has ever faced a power outage knows, electricity is an essential part of modern life.
Electricity is a vital part of modern society, from powering our homes and businesses to keeping our lights on at night. As a result, there is a growing demand for qualified electrical engineers.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical engineering is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S., with an expected growth rate of 7% between 2020 and 2030. This means there will be an estimated 200,700 new jobs over the next decade.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
With such strong job prospects, it’s no wonder that an increasing number of students are considering electrical engineering as a field of study. So, if you’re wondering whether electrical engineering is worth it, the answer is a resounding YES!
Not only will you be able to find gainful employment after graduation, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you’re playing a vital role in keeping the world running smoothly.
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Employment Growth Projection For A Electrical Engineer
Global demand for electrical power is set to increase, leading to job growth in the electric utility industry. In addition, as businesses invest in new technologies, they will need more electrical engineers to design and oversee the installation of electrical systems.
There are several reasons for the projected growth of 7% between 2020 and 2030:
- First, the increasing popularity of hybrid and electric vehicles leads to more demand for electrical engineers to develop and improve batteries and other components.
- Second, the continued expansion of solar and wind energy is creating opportunities for electrical engineers to work on projects related to renewable energy.
- And finally, as our society increasingly relies on technology, electrical engineers will need to develop and maintain complex systems.
Does Electrical Engineering Have A Good Future?
It’s no secret that engineering is among the most in-demand and well-paid careers. But with so many different engineering fields, it can be challenging to know which one is right for you.
If you’re interested in a career as an electrical engineer, you may wonder whether the field has a promising future. The short answer — absolutely!
Electrical engineers are in high demand worldwide and earn a very comfortable salary. In addition, electrical engineering is a fascinating and varied field, with opportunities to work on everything from tiny nanodevices to massive power plants.
In short, electrical engineering is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a stable career with good prospects and a high salary.
What Jobs Can You Get As An Electrical Engineer?
Electrical engineering deals with studying and applying electricity, electromagnetism, and electronics.
Here are some job options available to you, in no particular order.
| Job Title | |
|---|---|
| 1. | Renewable Energy Engineer |
| 2. | Electrical Maintenance Engineer |
| 3. | Electrical Design Engineer |
| 4. | Manufacturing Engineer |
| 5. | Service Engineer |
| 6. | Field Engineer |
| 7. | Product Manager |
| 8. | Power engineer |
| 9. | Control Engineer |
| 10. | Electronic Engineer |
| 11. | Communications Engineer |
| 12. | Computer Hardware Engineer |
| 13. | Protection Engineer |
1. Renewable Energy Engineer
A Renewable Energy Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and maintains renewable energy systems such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
They are responsible for the entire process of designing and creating renewable energy systems, from initial feasibility studies to final installation and commissioning.
2. Electrical Maintenance Engineer
Electrical maintenance engineers carry out scheduled and emergency maintenance on electrical equipment and systems. This includes diagnosing faults and repairing and replacement of components.
3. Electrical Design Engineer
Design engineers design electrical systems for various applications, from small electronic devices to large-scale power plants.
This involves creating circuit diagrams, selecting the right components, and ensuring the system is safe and meets all relevant standards.
4. Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing engineers oversee the production of electrical equipment. They are also responsible for the design and operation of manufacturing plants.
They develop plans and processes to improve efficiency and quality control.
5. Service Engineer
Service engineers install and maintain electrical systems. They are responsible for the maintenance and repair of various machines and equipment.
They may work across multiple industries, including manufacturing, automotive, and healthcare.
6. Field Engineer
Field engineers work on-site to install and maintain electrical systems. They often work in industrial or commercial settings.
Field engineers get to see the world and work with different cultures, meaning they can be away from home for long periods.
7. Product Manager
Product managers develop marketing plans for electrical products. They track sales and customer satisfaction and work to improve product design.
8. Power engineer
Power engineers are responsible for the operation and maintenance of power plants. They ensure that the plant runs smoothly, safely, and efficiently.
9. Control Engineer
Control engineers design systems that regulate other systems. They use their mathematics, physics, and computer science knowledge to develop models and algorithms to optimize system performance.
They work in various industries, including manufacturing, energy, transportation, and aerospace.
10. Electronic Engineer
Electronic engineers develop and improve electronic devices and components. They use their semiconductors, circuits, and digital signal processing knowledge to design and test new products.
They work in various industries, including telecommunications, consumer electronics, aerospace, and defense.
11. Communications Engineer
Communications engineers develop and improve communication systems. They use their electronics and signal processing knowledge to design and test new products.
They work in various industries, including telecommunications, broadcasting, computer networking, and automotive.
12. Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer hardware engineers develop and improve computer hardware. They use their knowledge of computer architecture and circuit design to design and test new products.
They work in various industries, including computing, semiconductor manufacturing, and storage.
13. Protection Engineer
They design, develop, test, and commission protection systems for electrical power networks. This includes everything from small domestic installations to national grid systems.
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Can Electrical Engineers Find Jobs Easily?
As with any engineering field, the job market for electrical engineers can be volatile. However, electrical engineers are in high demand due to the ever-growing need for new and innovative electrical products and systems.
As a result, most electrical engineers should have no trouble finding a job that suits their skills and interests. However, it is worth noting that the competition for jobs can be fierce, so electrical engineers must ensure their resumes are up-to-date and their skills are sharp.
Additionally, electrical engineers who want to maximize their chances of finding a job should consider networking with other professionals in the field. By doing so, they will be able to learn about new job openings and gain valuable insights into the industry.
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How Much Does An Electrical Engineer Earn?
Is electrical engineering worth it? The answer may depend on several factors, but one crucial consideration is earning potential.
An electrical engineer’s median annual salary was $100,420 in May 2021, which is higher than the median yearly salary for all occupations of $45,760.
However, electrical engineers’ earnings vary widely, from less than $62,360 for the bottom 10% to more than $162,930 for the top 10%
The top industries that employed electrical engineers in 2020 were as follows:
- Engineering services: 21%
- Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution: 10%
- Navigational, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing: 7%
- Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences: 5%
- Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing: 4%
So, if you’re considering a career in electrical engineering, you can expect to earn a good salary.
Of course, earnings potential is just one factor to consider when making a career decision. But electrical engineering is worth considering if you’re looking to make a good living as an engineer.
3 Benefits Of Studying Electrical Engineering
For anyone considering a career in electrical engineering, it is crucial to weigh the pros and cons of the field.
Here are three key benefits of studying electrical engineering:
1. Well-Paid Profession
The median salary for an electrical engineer is $100,420 per year, which is one of the highest-paying careers available. And with the ever-growing demand for new and innovative technologies, there is no shortage of job opportunities in the field.
2. Intellectually Stimulating
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and developing new technologies that power our world. Electrical engineers are at the forefront of innovation, from cell phones to solar panels. As such, it is a field that offers considerable challenge and intellectual stimulation.
3. Offers Considerable Job Security
With the ever-increasing demand for new technologies, there is no danger of the demand for electrical engineers drying up anytime soon.
In Summary
Overall, electrical engineering is a challenging and rewarding field that offers its practitioners many advantages. So, if you are considering a career in engineering, it is worth considering electrical engineering as an option.
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How To Become An Electrical Engineer
To become an electrical engineer, you’ll need to complete a four-year undergraduate degree in electrical engineering.
Many universities offer specialized programs in electrical engineering, which can help you prepare for your career.
Alternatively, you can complete a general engineering degree and then specialize in electrical engineering through graduate studies. However, some jobs may require a master’s degree or higher.
If you’re interested in becoming an electrical engineer, you’ll need to have strong math skills and be able to work with complex equipment. Additionally, you’ll need to be able to think abstractly and solve problems creatively.
Final Thoughts
Electrical engineering is a great career choice for anyone interested in technology and innovation. It is well-paid with plenty of job opportunities and offers considerable job security.
Additionally, it is an intellectually stimulating field that offers its practitioners many challenges. If you have strong math skills and can think abstractly, then electrical engineering may be the right career choice for you.
