Top 10 Electrical Engineer Jobs in the United States in 2023

The world of electrical engineering jobs in the United States has changed dramatically over the past decade and will continue to evolve in the coming years.

As globalization continues, more and more companies are looking to hire electrical engineers, particularly those with international experience, to help them reach their business goals. These changes have inspired us to create this list of the top 10 electrical engineer jobs in the United States in 2022.

1) Project Manager

Electrical Engineer Jobs – The project manager is responsible for overseeing a team of professionals and ensuring that a project gets completed on time and within budget.

Working with contractors, designers, accountants, lawyers and engineers; project managers keep all of these moving parts in motion and manage conflicts when they arise.

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is typically required to become a project manager. Project managers tend to be organized and goal-oriented individuals who can remain cool under pressure.

2) Field Engineer

Electrical Engineer Jobs – Field engineers may not have a background in electrical engineering, but they make up for it with experience and technical expertise. Field engineers are responsible for inspecting, troubleshooting and repairing equipment. Their responsibilities vary by industry.

For example, a field engineer working for an auto manufacturer will be required to inspect and repair equipment on assembly lines. Working as a field engineer offers great prospects to work your way up through various levels of management.

40 per cent of managers once worked as field engineers before starting their managerial careers. At any given time, about 2 million electricians are working as field engineers across industries.

3) Substation Electrician

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that substation electricians can earn around $66,000 per year, with a typical workweek of 37.5 hours.

The BLS also predicts substation electrician jobs will grow by 12 per cent between 2016 and 2026—faster than average for all occupations.

However, be warned: This isn’t an easy position to enter. Substation electricians need to complete apprenticeships lasting three to four years.

Electrical Engineer Jobs – According to Glassdoor and they have several years of experience before finding positions. Experienced workers can expect salaries over $90,000 per year.

4) Power line and Cable Worker

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that nearly one-quarter of all electrical engineers will work as line installers and repairers, also known as power line workers, by 2022.

Electrical Engineer Jobs – In that same year, these workers are expected to earn a median annual wage of $61,070 per year.

Many power line workers also earn overtime pay and other incentives for working more than 40 hours a week. Because employment is so seasonal with most jobs concentrated between May and September -Jobseekers looking for steady full-time work should aim to stay on payroll during those months.

To increase your odds of landing such work, find a company or contractor with whom you can stay long-term when possible.

5) Electrician Helper

If you have some experience with electrical work, but don’t have a license, you can look into becoming an electrician helper. You can earn $20-$30 an hour working as a helper on electrical construction sites or for contracting companies.

Helpers should work under the direct supervision of licensed electricians and learn how to interpret blueprints and use tools such as levels, plumb bobs, pipe wrenches and crimpers.

Some helpers assist journeymen and Master Electricians with their Work, and others get hired by contractors because they know how to interpret architectural or engineering drawings.

Electrical Engineer Jobs – The best-paid helpers assist foremen or project superintendents with their daily duties.

6) Wiring Installer

Wiring installers who work for construction companies and electrical utility firms work on overhead or underground lines. They’re required to have safety training as well as receive certification from either a state or federal agency.

According to projections, job opportunities will rise between 12 and 24 per cent through 2022, which is average compared to other careers.

Wages will average around $38,000 but can range from $23,000 to $51,000 depending on factors such as years of experience and location.

7) Residential Electrician

Residential electricians install, maintain and repair electrical systems found in homes and residential properties. These systems include circuits to power household appliances, lights, outlets, fans and more.

In addition to installing new home electrical systems, residential electricians also work on maintaining existing ones. One of their primary duties is testing these systems regularly to ensure they’re safe and working properly.

Electricians with at least five years of experience may be eligible for additional certifications that allow them to pursue opportunities in commercial buildings as well as areas such as construction management.

8) Maintenance and Repair Worker

Mechanical and electrical maintenance positions are slated to grow faster than average for electrical engineers. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, maintenance workers must have at least two years of job-related experience.

These types of jobs are often filled by employees trained on the job and looking to learn new skills. There is a high turnover rate for maintenance positions, which means there is often an abundance of jobs available due to staff turnover or retirement.

The median annual wage was $53,050 as of May 2015. However, those with less than five years of experience earned less than $39,000 per year.

You can expect your earning potential to increase by at least 18 per cent over time as you gain more relevant experience.

9) Construction Electrician

Construction electricians work for construction companies and must be able to drive equipment on job sites and keep track of inventory.

With demand for skilled electricians expected to grow by 14 per cent from 2016 to 2026, according to CareerBuilder, employment opportunities are likely to increase.

These positions pay well. General electricians earn an average annual salary of $55,370 as of May 2017, reports Pay-Scale.

The top-paying metropolitan area in San Jose at $83,000 per year; Baltimore ranks last at $43,020 per year.

10) A Lineman

A lineman is an electrician responsible for maintaining power lines. The work can be strenuous and demanding, requiring workers to spend hours at a time perched on poles or climbing trees.

Electrical Engineer Jobs – It also can be dangerous, more than 600 linemen died from work-related injuries between 2003 and 2007, according to one estimate.

Linemen make good money, with median pay of $57,500 per year. For mechanically inclined people, who like working outside and have strong hands and backs, it’s a decent option.

Plus it’s one of those jobs that tend to follow natural gas development—meaning opportunities may become available if you move to an area where companies are looking for skilled line workers.

Final Verdict – Electrical Engineer Jobs

If you’re looking to become an electrical engineer, then your best bet is to stick with it and make sure you have a passion for what you’re doing.

Electrical Engineer Jobs – As much as possible, follow up on leads, be resourceful and do whatever is needed to become successful in your desired career path. Just keep at it, one step at a time. You will get there if you don’t give up! Good luck!