Electrical engineering jobs are a respected career choice worldwide. These professionals are responsible for numerous innovative technological developments so it remains an attractive choice for many. However, it’s not unusual to find yourself wondering just how lucrative a career in electrical engineering is.
Electrical engineering in California is in demand
There’s an increasing need for electrical engineers in California. Statistics from May 2023 show it has the highest demand for electrical engineers, followed by Texas and New York. It’s a great time to be an electrical engineer, especially if you’re interested in entry-level positions as a recent graduate or considering becoming an electrical engineer.
There will be no shortage of jobs for California’s electrical engineers in the next few years. The state is home to Silicon Valley and other tech communities, such as Santa Clara and Sunnyvale, where electrical engineers thrive. These areas have a high demand for electrical engineers and pay more than the average salary in California.
The job outlook for 2024 and beyond
The electrical engineering industry hasn’t been hit with job loss as hard as others in the last few years. More companies are looking to employ electrical engineers for projects that require their expertise. The number of electrical engineers in California is projected to grow by 13.9 percent by 2030, which translates to 3,900 jobs.
The outlook for the coming years is good for those interested in this industry. The hourly median pay for electrical engineers in California is $72.98 in 2024, significantly higher than the national average.
Electrical engineering jobs: FAQ guide
Is it a good career choice?
Electrical engineering is considered a good career choice since there’s high demand for it. It offers a diverse range of specializations, and you can work in numerous sectors. The average annual pay for an electrical engineer is also good, with decent growth opportunities.
What skills are essential for electrical engineering jobs?
You need to have various skills to excel as an electrical engineer. Some of the most sought-after skills in this industry include:
- Computer skills: almost all electrical engineers work with computers and use various software. You’re expected to be well versed in applications relevant to your field of engineering to do well on the job. It’s also essential to know programming languages, such as Python and C++.
- Communication skills: working well with others is necessary for every work environment. Communicating effectively will help you collaborate with teammates and deliver your best work.
- Problem-solving skills: you need critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify, analyze, and solve any problems as you test products you develop.
What basic qualifications are needed?
You need an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering or a related field to qualify for a job in engineering. Some related disciplines are electronics engineering and electrical engineering technology. Lacking a degree in these fields doesn’t mean you can’t get a job as an electrical engineer.
You can opt to increase your qualifications for an electrical engineering job by furthering your education. One way to do this is by getting an advanced degree like a master’s in electrical engineering. You can also take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam, although it’s not required in every industry.
What should I include on my resume?
Your resume is the first contact you’ll make with a potential employer, so it’s essential to make it stand out. Your resume should include your name and contact information at the top of the page. It should also have your work experience, educational background, relevant skills, and licenses or certifications.
Where can I apply for electrical engineering jobs?
There are numerous websites where you can find electrical engineering jobs. Job websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn are popular. There are also job search engines dedicated to posting engineering jobs only. You may also find an excellent electrical engineering job by signing up with an engineering staffing agency like Certis Solutions.
How do I know if the job is the right fit for me?
Deciding whether a job is right depends on what you consider important. You can start by writing down everything you want in a position and seeing if the job description matches it. You may include salary expectations, job responsibilities, growth opportunities, and work hours. You can rank their importance from high to low priorities. Most jobs won’t have all your requirements, so you might have to choose which one that meets most of your high-priority requirements.
Benefits of working with an engineering staffing agency
Most electrical engineers will find that securing a good position isn’t always easy, although there are many job prospects. You’ll have no trouble finding a good place if you work with the right team. We advise most job seekers to sign up with and receive guidance from a qualified engineering staffing agency.
The hiring process is often long and time-consuming. Finding a position with an agency will speed up the application process since they have all your information readily available. Their recruiters will match you with jobs available in their database and provide helpful tips for acing interviews. You’ll have no trouble finding work with their extensive resources of job vacancies in the AEC industry. Certis Solutions is a professional staffing agency that helps AEC professionals find their ideal jobs. Our team of skilled recruiters can help if you want to work as an electrical engineer. With an extensive list of contacts and connections with top engineering firms, we have access to jobs other candidates are not privy to. Contact us today to land your next job.
