Electrical and electronic engineering technicians install, test, and maintain the systems that power equipment and facilities. You work with computers and technical drawings, solve problems on the job, and can start with a high school diploma. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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You work with computers and electronic equipment to install, test, and troubleshoot electrical and electronic systems. Your day involves reading technical drawings, making decisions about how to solve problems, and documenting your work carefully. You communicate with supervisors and team members about what you find, evaluate whether systems meet safety and performance standards, and gather information from manuals and colleagues. The role blends hands-on technical work with problem-solving and clear communication.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians earn a median of $78,190 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is modest. Employment is projected to grow 1 percent from 2024 to 2034, little or no change for all occupations, with about 8,400 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent as a starting point. You will need to build skills in computers and electronics, engineering principles, mathematics, and design. Many technicians complete on-the-job training or technical coursework that covers electrical systems, troubleshooting, and safety practices. Some pursue an associate degree or certificate program in electrical or electronics technology. Your preparation should include developing strong reading comprehension, critical thinking, and active listening skills, since you will learn from manuals, instructors, and experienced technicians.
You can enter this field through technical certificates, associate degree programs, or apprenticeships combined with on-the-job training. The path that fits depends on your timeline and local job market, so if you are exploring your options, Pathly can map the electrical and electronic engineering technologist and technician path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to find the right next step.
Many electrical and electronic engineering technologist and technicians must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You are drawn to hands-on, technical work with systems and equipment. You like solving concrete problems, working with tools and computers, and seeing the results of your effort.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).