Electrical Engineer Salary in USA 2025
Power systems, electronics, and controls specialization comparison
Electrical Engineer Salary Range
How Much Do Electrical Engineers Earn in 2025?
Electrical engineers are engineering professionals who design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, systems, and components—from power generation to consumer electronics. It's one of the most versatile and in-demand engineering fields.
2025 electrical engineer salaries show strong earning potential: average $65,000–$105,000, with entry-level starting at $60,000–$70,000 and senior engineers/specialists earning $95,000–$140,000+. The wide range reflects diverse specializations and industries.
Power systems engineers and RF/microwave specialists often command premium salaries compared to general electrical engineers. Electrical engineering offers diverse career paths—from power generation and distribution to consumer electronics, embedded systems, telecommunications, and automation. Senior electrical engineers can reach $100K+ comfortably. For context, see the average salary in the US.
Electrical Engineer Salary by Experience Level
Experience progression for electrical engineers:
| Experience Level | US Estimate (USD) | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (<1 year) | $60,000–$70,000 | Learning, circuit design, support |
| Early career (1–4 years) | $70,000–$85,000 | Independent projects, system design |
| Mid-career (5–9 years) | $85,000–$105,000 | Project leadership, specialization |
| Experienced (10–19 years) | $100,000–$130,000 | Senior technical, architecture |
| Senior/Principal (20+ years) | $120,000–$160,000+ | Technical leadership, consulting |
Entry-Level Electrical Engineer (<1 Year)
US estimate: $60,000–$70,000
Focus: Learning fundamentals, circuit design, supporting senior engineers, testing and documentation.
Early Career (1–4 Years)
US estimate: $70,000–$85,000
Focus: Independent project work, system design, analysis.
Mid-Career (5–9 Years)
US estimate: $85,000–$105,000
Focus: Project leadership, specialized expertise, PE licensure (optional but valuable in some specializations).
Experienced (10–19 Years)
US estimate: $100,000–$130,000
Focus: Senior technical roles, system architecture, team leadership.
Senior/Principal (20+ Years)
US estimate: $120,000–$160,000+
Focus: Technical leadership, consulting, business development.
Electrical Engineer Salary by Specialization
Specialization significantly impacts electrical engineer compensation:
| Specialization | Typical Salary Range | Industries |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics/IC Design | $90,000–$140,000 | Tech, semiconductor, automotive |
| RF/Microwave Engineering | $90,000–$135,000 | Telecom, defense, aerospace |
| Power Systems Engineering | $85,000–$130,000 | Utilities, renewable energy |
| Embedded Systems/Firmware | $85,000–$125,000 | Automotive, aerospace, medical |
| Control Systems/Automation | $80,000–$120,000 | Manufacturing, oil & gas |
| Telecommunications | $75,000–$115,000 | Telecom providers |
| General Electrical Engineer | $60,000–$75,000 | Various |
Electronics/Integrated Circuits (Highest-Paying)
Typical range: $90,000–$140,000
Focus: IC design, PCB layout, analog/digital circuits, semiconductor devices
Highest-paying specialization due to specialized technical knowledge and high-tech industry demand.
RF/Microwave Engineering
Typical range: $90,000–$135,000
Focus: Wireless systems, antenna design, RF circuits, radar
Niche expertise commands premium compensation.
Power Systems Engineering
Typical range: $85,000–$130,000
Focus: Power generation, transmission, distribution, grid management, renewable energy
Critical infrastructure work with PE license valuable for advancement.
Embedded Systems/Firmware
Typical range: $85,000–$125,000
Focus: Microcontrollers, embedded software, IoT devices, real-time systems
Hybrid role combining electrical and software skills.
Control Systems/Automation
Typical range: $80,000–$120,000
Focus: PLC programming, SCADA systems, industrial automation, robotics
Strong demand in manufacturing automation and process industries.
Telecommunications
Typical range: $75,000–$115,000
Focus: Network infrastructure, fiber optics, 5G systems, signal processing
Electrical Engineer Salary by Industry
Industry dramatically affects electrical engineer compensation:
| Industry | Typical Salary Range | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Semiconductor/IC | $95,000–$150,000 | Cutting-edge tech, high demand |
| Aerospace/Defense | $90,000–$140,000 | Security clearance, specialized |
| Tech/Consumer Electronics | $85,000–$135,000 | Innovation-focused |
| Oil & Gas | $85,000–$130,000 | Instrumentation, automation |
| Automotive | $75,000–$115,000 | EV revolution driving growth |
| Utilities/Power | $75,000–$115,000 | Stable, good benefits |
| Telecommunications | $75,000–$110,000 | 5G infrastructure |
| Building Systems/MEP | $65,000–$95,000 | Construction-related |
Highest-Paying Industries
Semiconductor/IC Manufacturing ($95,000–$150,000): Intel, AMD, NVIDIA, Qualcomm—cutting-edge tech work commands top salaries.
Aerospace/Defense ($90,000–$140,000): Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon—security clearance often required, specialized work.
Tech/Consumer Electronics ($85,000–$135,000): Apple, Google, Amazon—innovation-focused environments.
Growing Industries
Automotive ($75,000–$115,000): EV boom increasing demand for electrical engineers significantly.
Telecommunications ($75,000–$110,000): 5G deployment driving hiring across the sector.
What Electrical Engineers Do: Role and Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities
Circuit design, system analysis, component selection, testing and troubleshooting, documentation, and compliance with standards (NEC, IEEE).
Focus by Specialization
Power engineers: High-voltage systems, grid infrastructure
Electronics engineers: Low-voltage circuits, consumer devices
Embedded engineers: Firmware, microcontrollers, IoT
Essential Tools
Design: AutoCAD, EasyEDA, OrCAD, Altium Designer
Simulation: MATLAB, Simulink, SPICE, LabVIEW
Programming: Python, C/C++, embedded C, Keil
Test equipment: Oscilloscopes, multimeters, spectrum analyzers
Job Outlook and Career Growth
Solid Outlook
Renewable energy transition, EV adoption, 5G deployment, and automation drive sustained demand. Embedded systems and power systems specializations are seeing the strongest growth.
Career Progression
Electrical Engineer → Senior Electrical Engineer → Lead/Principal Engineer → Engineering Manager → Director of Engineering
How to Increase Your Electrical Engineer Salary
Specialize in High-Paying Areas
Electronics/IC ($90K–$140K) and RF/microwave ($90K–$135K) pay the most.
Gain Experience
Senior engineers earn $120K–$160K versus entry-level $60K–$70K.
Target High-Paying Industries
Semiconductor, aerospace, and tech pay 30–50% premiums over general industries.
Get PE License (Optional but Valuable)
Power systems engineers especially benefit from PE licensure for career advancement.
Learn Programming
Python, C/C++, and embedded programming increase versatility and value.
Pursue Advanced Degree
Master's opens doors to specialized roles and research positions.
Develop Cross-Functional Skills
Combining electrical with software, mechanical, or systems engineering increases value.
See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average electrical engineer salary in 2025?
Electrical engineers earn $65,000–$105,000 on average. Entry-level earns $60,000–$70,000, mid-career $85,000–$105,000, and senior engineers $120,000–$160,000+. Specialized roles in electronics/IC design reach $90,000–$140,000.
Which electrical engineering specialization pays the most?
Electronics/IC Design ($90,000–$140,000) and RF/Microwave Engineering ($90,000–$135,000) pay the highest. Power Systems Engineering ($85,000–$130,000) also commands strong compensation, especially with PE license.
How much do entry-level electrical engineers make?
Entry-level electrical engineers (<1 year experience) earn $60,000–$70,000 on average. High-paying industries like semiconductors offer higher starting salaries.
Do electrical engineers need a PE license?
PE license is optional for most electrical engineering roles, but valuable for power systems engineers and those in consulting, utilities, or construction-related work. It can add 10–20% salary premium in relevant fields.
Which industries pay electrical engineers the most?
Semiconductor/IC Manufacturing ($95,000–$150,000), Aerospace/Defense ($90,000–$140,000), and Tech/Consumer Electronics ($85,000–$135,000) pay the highest. These industries offer 30–50% premiums over general electrical engineering roles.