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Occupation Description

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, calibrate, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions. Exclude "Broadcast Technicians".

View career video with one of the following: Additional videos and more information available on CareerOneStop.

State and National Wages

Wage Table

Hourly Wage Chart

Yearly Wage Chart

Location	Pay Period	2008
		10%	25%	Median	75%	90%
United States	Hourly	$15.62	$19.98	$25.60	$30.83	$37.77
	Yearly	$32,500	$41,600	$53,200	$64,100	$78,600
South Carolina	Hourly	$17.13	$20.78	$25.48	$31.04	$37.57
	Yearly	$35,600	$43,200	$53,000	$64,600	$78,100

Wage Table

Hourly Wage Chart

Yearly Wage Chart

• High is the wage at which 90% of workers earn less and 10% earn more.
• Middle is the wage at which 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more.
• Low is the wage at which 10% of workers earn less and 90% earn more.

Wage Table

Hourly Wage Chart

Yearly Wage Chart

• High is the wage at which 90% of workers earn less and 10% earn more.
• Middle is the wage at which 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more.
• Low is the wage at which 10% of workers earn less and 90% earn more.

Occupation Wages FAQs

Median Wage by Occupation Across States
Compare Wages by Occupation and Local Area
Compare Wages by Metropolitan Areas

National Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey
State Data Source: South Carolina Wage Information

State and National Trends

Note: The data for the State Employment Trends and the National Employment Trends are not directly comparable. The projections period for state data is 2006-2016, while the projections period for national data is 2008-2018.

Occupation Trends FAQs

Employment Trends by Occupation Across States
Compare Employment Trends by Occupation
Employment Trends by Industry and Occupation

National Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections
State Data Source: South Carolina Employment Security Commission

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians are grouped into the following occupations for which the most important knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) are listed.

• Electrical Engineering Technicians
• Electronics Engineering Technicians

Knowledge:

• Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• 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.
• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Skills:

• Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
• Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• 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.

Abilities:

• Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• 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.
• Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Source: Occupational Information Network: Electrical Engineering Technicians.

Knowledge:

• 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.
• Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Skills:

• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
• 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.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Abilities:

• 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.
• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
• Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Source: Occupational Information Network: Electronics Engineering Technicians.

Tasks and Activities

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians are grouped into the following occupations for which occupation specific tasks, the most important generalized work activities, and detailed work activities are listed.

• Electrical Engineering Technicians
• Electronics Engineering Technicians

Occupation Specific Tasks:

• Analyze and interpret test information to resolve design-related problems.
• Assemble electrical and electronic systems and prototypes according to engineering data and knowledge of electrical principles, using hand tools and measuring instruments.
• Build, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair electrical instruments or testing equipment.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers and other personnel to identify, define, and solve developmental problems.
• Conduct inspections for quality control and assurance programs, reporting findings and recommendations.
• Draw or modify diagrams and write engineering specifications to clarify design details and functional criteria of experimental electronics units.
• Evaluate engineering proposals, shop drawings and design comments for sound electrical engineering practice and conformance with established safety and design criteria, and recommend approval or disapproval.
• Install and maintain electrical control systems and solid state equipment.
• Modify electrical prototypes, parts, assemblies, and systems to correct functional deviations.
• Perform supervisory duties such as recommending work assignments, approving leaves and completing performance evaluations.
• Plan method and sequence of operations for developing and testing experimental electronic and electrical equipment.
• Plan, schedule and monitor work of support personnel to assist supervisor.
• Prepare contracts and initiate, review and coordinate modifications to contract specifications and plans throughout the construction process.
• Prepare project cost and work-time estimates.
• Provide technical assistance and resolution when electrical or engineering problems are encountered before, during, and after construction.
• Review existing electrical engineering criteria to identify necessary revisions, deletions or amendments to outdated material.
• Set up and operate test equipment to evaluate performance of developmental parts, assemblies, or systems under simulated operating conditions, and record results.
• Visit construction sites to observe conditions impacting design and to identify solutions to technical design problems involving electrical systems equipment that arise during construction.
• Write commissioning procedures for electrical installations.

Generalized Work Activities:

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Detailed Work Activities:

• analyze engineering test data
• analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
• analyze test data
• calculate engineering specifications
• calibrate or adjust electronic equipment or instruments to specification
• communicate technical information
• confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
• develop plans for programs or projects
• draw prototypes, plans, or maps to scale
• estimate cost for engineering projects
• evaluate engineering data
• fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
• follow manufacturing methods or techniques
• follow statistical process control procedures
• inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
• install electronic equipment, components, or systems
• install, maintain, or repair electronics manufacturing equipment
• install/connect electrical equipment to power circuit
• modify electrical or electronic equipment or products
• operate precision test equipment
• prepare technical reports or related documentation
• read blueprints
• read manufacturing outlines for electronic products
• read schematics
• read technical drawings
• repair computer controlled manufacturing systems
• repair electronic components, equipment, or systems
• resolve engineering or science problems
• solder electrical or electronic connections or components
• test equipment as part of engineering projects or processes
• troubleshoot electronics manufacturing equipment
• understand detailed electronic design specifications
• understand engineering data or reports
• understand service or repair manuals
• understand technical information for electronic repair work
• understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
• use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
• use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
• use knowledge of metric system
• use precision measuring tools or equipment
• use robotics systems technology
• use scientific research methodology
• use technical information in manufacturing or industrial activities
• use technical regulations for engineering problems

Source: Occupational Information Network: Electrical Engineering Technicians.

Occupation Specific Tasks:

• Adjust and replace defective or improperly functioning circuitry and electronics components, using hand tools and soldering iron.
• Assemble, test, and maintain circuitry or electronic components according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, and knowledge of electronics, using hand and power tools.
• Build prototypes from rough sketches or plans.
• Design basic circuitry and draft sketches for clarification of details and design documentation under engineers' direction, using drafting instruments and computer aided design (CAD) equipment.
• Develop and upgrade preventative maintenance procedures for components, equipment, parts and systems.
• Fabricate parts, such as coils, terminal boards, and chassis, using bench lathes, drills, or other machine tools.
• Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions, working with manufacturers and field representatives as necessary to procure replacement parts.
• Maintain system logs and manuals to document testing and operation of equipment.
• Maintain working knowledge of state-of-the-art tools or software by reading or attending conferences, workshops or other training.
• Perform preventative maintenance and calibration of equipment and systems.
• Procure parts and maintain inventory and related documentation.
• Provide customer support and education, working with users to identify needs, determine sources of problems and to provide information on product use.
• Provide user applications and engineering support and recommendations for new and existing equipment with regard to installation, upgrades and enhancement.
• Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, and engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components.
• Research equipment and component needs, sources, competitive prices, delivery times and ongoing operational costs.
• Survey satellite receival sites for proper signal level and provide technical assistance in dish location and installation, transporting dishes as necessary.
• Test electronics units, using standard test equipment, and analyze results to evaluate performance and determine need for adjustment.
• Write computer or microprocessor software programs.
• Write reports and record data on testing techniques, laboratory equipment, and specifications to assist engineers.

Generalized Work Activities:

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• 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.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Interacting With Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Detailed Work Activities:

• analyze engineering test data
• analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
• analyze test data
• calculate engineering specifications
• calibrate or adjust electronic equipment or instruments to specification
• communicate technical information
• confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
• confer with vendors
• develop plans for programs or projects
• draw prototypes, plans, or maps to scale
• evaluate engineering data
• examine engineering documents for completeness or accuracy
• fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
• follow manufacturing methods or techniques
• follow statistical process control procedures
• inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
• inspect manufactured products or materials
• install electronic equipment, components, or systems
• install, maintain, or repair electronics manufacturing equipment
• install/connect electrical equipment to power circuit
• maintain or repair work tools or equipment
• modify electrical or electronic equipment or products
• operate precision test equipment
• prepare technical reports or related documentation
• program computers for electronic engineering applications
• read blueprints
• read manufacturing outlines for electronic products
• read schematics
• read technical drawings
• repair computer controlled manufacturing systems
• repair electronic components, equipment, or systems
• repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment
• set up and operate variety of machine tools
• solder electrical or electronic connections or components
• test equipment as part of engineering projects or processes
• troubleshoot electronics manufacturing equipment
• understand detailed electronic design specifications
• understand engineering data or reports
• understand service or repair manuals
• understand technical information for electronic repair work
• understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
• use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
• use computer networking technology
• use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
• use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
• use electronic calibration devices
• use hand or power tools
• use hazardous materials information
• use knowledge of laser technology
• use knowledge of metric system
• use machining operations with semiconductor chip forming technology
• use oscilloscopes in electronics repair
• use precision measuring tools or equipment
• use robotics systems technology
• use scientific research methodology
• use technical information in manufacturing or industrial activities
• use technical regulations for engineering problems

Source: Occupational Information Network: Electronics Engineering Technicians.

Tools and Technology

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians are grouped into the following occupations for which Tools and Technology information is available.

• Electrical Engineering Technicians
• Electronics Engineering Technicians

Electrical Engineering Technicians  View Detailed Report

Tools:

• Electronic measuring probes - Current probes, Voltage probes
• Microprocessors - Microcomputers, Microprocessors
• Multimeters - Multimeters, Signal measuring equipment
• Potentiometers - Direct current DC potentiometers, Potentiometers
• Signal generators - Function generators, Signal generators

Technology:

• Analytical or scientific software - Cadence PSpice, Mentor Graphics ModelSim, Proportional integral derivative control PID software, Root cause analysis software, The Mathworks MATLAB
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD software, Cadence software, Computer aided design CAD software, National Instruments Multisim, OrCAD Capture
• Data base user interface and query software - Database software, Oracle software
• Development environment software - Assembler, C, Verilog
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel, Spreadsheet software

Source: Occupational Information Network: Electrical Engineering Technicians.

Electronics Engineering Technicians  View Detailed Report

Tools:

• Adjustable widemouth pliers - Pliers
• Adjustable wrenches - Wrenches
• Electronic measuring probes - Current probes, Voltage probes
• Multimeters - Multimeters, Signal measuring equipment
• Voltage or current meters - Digital voltmeters DVM, Voltage testers

Technology:

• Analytical or scientific software - Cadence PSpice, Mentor Graphics ModelSim, Root cause analysis software, The Mathworks MATLAB
• Computer aided design CAD software - Cadence software, Computer aided design CAD software, National Instruments Multisim
• Data base user interface and query software - Database software, Microsoft Access
• Development environment software - C, Microsoft Visual Basic, National Instruments LabVIEW, Verilog
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel, Spreadsheet software

Source: Occupational Information Network: Electronics Engineering Technicians.

Education and Training

Occupation: Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians
Most Common Educational/Training Level: Associate degree
Related Instructional Programs:

• Computer Engineering Technology/Technician
• Computer Technology/Computer Systems Technology
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other
• Electrical, Electronic and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician
• Telecommunications Technology/Technician

WIA Eligible Training Provider List: http://www.workforcesouthcarolina.com/provider/

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections (Education/Training Level, Educational Attainment); National Center for Education Statistics (Typical Instructional Programs)

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Web Resources

Architects, Surveyors, and Cartographers
Drafters, Engineering, and Mapping Technicians
Engineers

• Architect, Princeton Review
• Architects, California Occupational Guide
• Architects, Except Landscape and Naval, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Architects, Except Landscape and Naval, CareerZone
• Architecture, WetFeet.com
• Cartographers (Map Makers), California Occupational Guide
• Cartography and GIS, American Congress on Surveying and Mapping
• Land Surveyor, Future Farmers of America
• Landscape Architect, Princeton Review
• Landscape Architect, American Society of Landscape Architects
• Landscape Architects, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Landscape Architects, California Occupational Guide
• Surveying and Mapping Technicians, Learn More Resource Center
• Surveying Occupations (Land), California Occupational Guide
• Surveyor, Princeton Review
• Surveyors, Cartographers, Photogrammetrists, and Surveying Technicians, Occupational Outlook Handbook

• Architectural Drafters, CareerZone
• Drafters, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Drafting Occupations, California Occupational Guide
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians, California Occupational Guide
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Job Futures
• Electronic Service Technicians (Household and Business Equipment), Job Futures
• Engineering Technicians, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Industrial Electricians, Job Futures
• Instrumentation Technicians, California Occupational Guide
• Laser Technicians, California Occupational Guide
• Robotics Technician, California Occupational Guide
• Technician, Princeton Review
• Traffic Technicians, Learn More Resource Center

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• Aerospace Engineers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Agricultural Engineers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Astronaut, Princeton Review
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• Ceramic Engineers, California Occupational Guide
• Chemical Engineer, Princeton Review
• Chemical Engineers, American Institute of Chemical Engineers
• Chemical Engineers, California Occupational Guide
• Chemical Engineers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Civil Engineer, Princeton Review
• Civil Engineers, California Occupational Guide
• Civil Engineers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Computer Engineer and Systems Analyst, Princeton Review
• Computer Hardware Engineers, CareerZone
• Computer Hardware Engineers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Electrical and Electronic Engineers, California Occupational Guide
• Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Electrical Engineer, Princeton Review
• Engineering, WetFeet.com
• Engineering Occupations in Robotics and Automated Systems, California Occupational Guide
• Engineers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Environmental Engineering, American Academy of Environmental Engineers
• Environmental Engineers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Industrial Engineer, Princeton Review
• Industrial Engineers, California Occupational Guide
• Industrial Engineers, Including Health and Safety, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Inventor, Princeton Review
• Materials Engineers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Mechanical Engineers, California Occupational Guide
• Mechanical Engineers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Metallurgists, California Occupational Guide
• Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Nuclear Engineer, Princeton Review
• Nuclear Engineer, California Occupational Guide
• Nuclear Engineers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Operating Engineers, California Occupational Guide
• Petroleum Engineer, Princeton Review
• Petroleum Engineers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Robotics Engineer, Princeton Review
• Ship Engineers, Learn More Resource Center
• Sound Engineering Technicians, Learn More Resource Center
• Structural Engineer, Princeton Review