CareerGPS

Electrical Engineering Technicians
Summary Occupational Forecast Data for Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Employment Employment Change Average Annual Job Openings Wage & Training Levels
2020 2025 Numerical Percent New Jobs Replacement Jobs Total Median Hourly Median Annual Training Levels
704 746 43 6.07% 9 84 92 $33.06 $68,760 Associate's degree
Description: Apply electrical theory and related knowledge to test and modify developmental or operational electrical machinery and electrical control equipment and circuitry in industrial or commercial plants and laboratories. Usually work under direction of engineering staff.
Forecast Data Source: EMSI (4th Quarter 2023)

Occupation Details

The information in this section represents occupational characteristics included in O*NET which defines key features of an occupation as a standardized, measurable set of variables called "descriptors". These distinguishing characteristics of an occupation are described in greater detail in the O*NET Content Model. All items are listed in descending order of importance.

  • Provide technical assistance and resolution when electrical or engineering problems are encountered before, during, and after construction.
  • Assemble electrical and electronic systems and prototypes according to engineering data and knowledge of electrical principles, using hand tools and measuring instruments.
  • Modify electrical prototypes, parts, assemblies, and systems to correct functional deviations.
  • Set up and operate test equipment to evaluate performance of developmental parts, assemblies, or systems under simulated operating conditions, and record results.
  • Collaborate with electrical engineers and other personnel to identify, define, and solve developmental problems.
  • Build, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair electrical instruments or testing equipment.
  • Analyze and interpret test information to resolve design-related problems.
  • Draw or modify diagrams and write engineering specifications to clarify design details and functional criteria of experimental electronics units.
  • Conduct inspections for quality control and assurance programs, reporting findings and recommendations.
  • Review existing electrical engineering criteria to identify necessary revisions, deletions or amendments to outdated material.
  • Plan method and sequence of operations for developing and testing experimental electronic and electrical equipment.

Knowledge

82%
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
65%
Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
58%
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
56%
Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
56%
Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
55%
Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
54%
Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Skills

65%
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
62%
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
62%
Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
60%
Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
56%
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
56%
Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
56%
Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
56%
Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
56%
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
53%
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
50%
Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
50%
Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
50%
Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
50%
Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Abilities

72%
Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
65%
Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
62%
Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
62%
Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
62%
Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
62%
Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
60%
Selective Attention - The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
60%
Finger Dexterity - The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
60%
Visual Color Discrimination - The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
60%
Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
60%
Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
60%
Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
60%
Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
56%
Category Flexibility - The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
56%
Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
56%
Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
53%
Flexibility of Closure - The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
53%
Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
50%
Fluency of Ideas - The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
50%
Manual Dexterity - The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
50%
Originality - The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

Work Activities

91%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
80%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
78%
Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
76%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
76%
Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
73%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
71%
Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
71%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
71%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
70%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
70%
Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
70%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
70%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
69%
Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
67%
Interacting With Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
64%
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
60%
Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
57%
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
56%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
53%
Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
52%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
51%
Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
51%
Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
50%
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
50%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Title Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Overall Experience Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Job Training Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include food service managers, electricians, agricultural technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.
Education Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Interests

Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outsi
Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Work Styles

Analytical Thinking - Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Self Control - Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.
Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Innovation - Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

Work Values

Support - Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.