Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

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

Also called: Communication Technician (Communication Tech), Communications Technologist, Electrical Engineering Technician (Electrical Engineering Tech), Electrical Technician (Electrical Tech), Electronic Engineering Technician (Electronic Engineering Tech), Electronic Technician (Electronic Tech), Electronics Engineering Technician, Electronics Technician, Relay Technician (Relay Tech), System Technologist, Applied Technologist, Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST), Control Systems Technician (Control Systems Tech), Controls Specialist, Controls Technician (Controls Tech), Demand Technologist, Design Technologist, Development Technologist, Developmental Electronics Assembler, Digital Circuit Designer, Distribution Engineering Technologist, E and I Technician (Electrical and Instrumentation Technician), Electrical Design Technician (Electrical Design Tech), Electrical Design Technologist, Electrical Engineering Technologist, Electrical Equipment Technician (Electrical Equipment Tech), Electrical Instrument Repairer, Electrical Maintenance Technician (Electrical Maintenance Tech), Electrical Mechanical Fabrication Technician (Electrical Mechanical Fabrication Tech), Electrical Mechanical Technician (Electrical Mechanical Tech), Electrical Power Station Technician (Electrical Power Station Tech), Electrical Service Technician (Electrical Service Tech), Electronic Design Technologist, Electronic Development Technician, Electronic Engineering Technologist, Electronic Instrument Testing Technician (Electronic Instrument Testing Tech), Electronic Parts Designer, Electronic Specialist, Electronic Systems Technician (EST), Electronic Systems Technologist, Electronic Technologist, Electronics Engineering Technologist, Electronics Technologist, Failure Analysis Technician (FA Technician), Generation Engineering Technologist, Generation Technician (Generation Tech), Generation Technologist, I and C Technician (Instrument and Controls Technician), ICE Technician (Instrumentation Controls and Electrical Systems Technician), Instrument Control Technician (Instrument Control Tech), Instrument Technician (Instrument Tech), Laser Technician (Laser Tech), LEOT (Laser and Electro-Optics Technician), Lighting Engineering Technician (Lighting Engineering Tech), Lighting Specialist, Low Voltage Cable Technician (Low Voltage Cable Tech), Low Voltage Technician (Low Voltage Tech), Process Control Technician (Process Control Tech), Product and Device Technologist, Programmable Logic Controller Programmer (PLC Programmer), Programmable Logic Controller Technician (PLC Technician), Refurbish Technician (Refurb Tech), Research Instrumentation Technician (Research Instrumentation Tech), Semiconductor Development Technician (Semiconductor Development Tech), Solar Lab Tech (Solar Laboratory Technician), Systems Technician (Systems Tech), Systems Technologist

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

Review electrical engineering plans to ensure adherence to design specifications and compliance with applicable electrical codes and standards.
Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components.
Assemble, test, or maintain circuitry or electronic components, according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, or knowledge of electronics, using hand or power tools.
Maintain system logs or manuals to document testing or operation of equipment.
Modify, maintain, or repair electronics equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
Compile and maintain records documenting engineering schematics, installed equipment, installation or operational problems, resources used, repairs, or corrective action performed.
Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions, working with manufacturers or field representatives as necessary to procure replacement parts.
Supervise the installation or operation of electronic equipment or systems.
Set up and operate specialized or standard test equipment to diagnose, test, or analyze the performance of electronic components, assemblies, or systems.
Calculate design specifications or cost, material, and resource estimates, and prepare project schedules and budgets.

Skills, machines and equipment

Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Troubleshooting
Repairing
Active Listening
Speaking
Systems Evaluation
Writing
Monitoring
Systems Analysis
Active Learning
Complex Problem Solving

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree (33.95% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

61,610–97,650 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 17-3023.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Deepen PLC, controls, robot integration, and safe troubleshooting skills; explore senior technician, integration, or automation project responsibilities.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree (33.95% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians