by our College Data Analytics TeamThe average American makes use of electronics every day: televisions, microwaves, computers, cell phones or electrical power plants that make it all possible. Electronics Engineering Technicians become experts on creating and repairing these and other electric devices. By majoring in this field, you learn the drafting, design, and technical skills needed to assist an engineer and make your ideas a reality. You will learn the basics of engineering that are required to understand how electronics and electricity work. Students will experience a hands-on approach to designing and developing technical solutions. The course load for this major includes robotics, fundamentals of electricity, technical writing, electrical power and machinery, and statics.
This major is commonly offered as an Associate's and Bachelor's Degree. Those who primarily want entry level positions in the field might do well with an Associate's Degree, however if you are seeking more advanced positions and up to twice the amount of pay you should consider a Bachelor's Degree.
Some concentrations available in the major include Laser and Optical Technology, Telecommunications Technology, and Integrated Circuit Design.
In 2020-2021, electronics engineering technology was the 130th most popular major nationwide with 8,592 degrees awarded. This represents a 5.0% reduction in EE tech degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 9,020.
Our 2023 Best Electronics Engineering Technology Schools ranking analyzes 134 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for electronics engineering technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of EE tech programs later in this article.
Students who excel in this field are usually interested in discovering how things work. If you love solving puzzles, and math and science, this major is for you. It is a good idea to take as many math and science courses as possible in high school, as well as calculus and physics if available. An interest in computers is also helpful as computer science and computer drafting will be part of the major. Internships and work opportunities provide valuable experience for those interested in advancing in their career.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most EE tech degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. Once you obtain your degree, additional EE tech certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
EE Tech degree levels vary. You can get anything from a in electronics engineering technology to the highest EE tech degree, a . How long it takes to complete some common EE tech degree levels is shown below.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
An associate degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to EE tech, with approximately 35.6% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for EE tech workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 37.0% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 21.2% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 13.7% |
| High School Diploma | 13.3% |
| Some College Courses | 10.2% |
53.9% of EE tech workers have at least a associate. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in electronics engineering technology careers have.
The education level required is different depending on the EE tech career you are seeking.
Graduates with an Electrical Engineering Technologies degree typically become electrical engineering technicians, computer hardware engineers, science technicians, and sale engineers. If you pursue a career in this field, you will work to measure, test, and repair equipment; as well as to test and evaluate products. Students will continue to work closely with technology and work toward the innovation of existing products.
Want a job when you graduate with your EE tech degree? Electronics Engineering Technology careers are expected to grow 3.2% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to electronics engineering technology.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians | 139,800 | 2.0% |
| Engineering Technicians | 80,800 | 5.2% |
Recently graduated electronics engineering technology students earned an average of $52,019 in 2019-2020. Earnings can range from as low as $17,535 to as high as $98,185. As you might expect, salaries for EE tech graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for electronics engineering technology graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers EE tech grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineering Technicians | $65,720 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians | $65,050 |
With over 1,060 different EE tech degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased EE tech school rankings to help you with this.
Learn about other programs related to Electronics Engineering Technology that might interest you.
One of 18 majors within the Engineering Technologies area of study, Electronics Engineering Technology has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Electrical, Electronic & Communications Engineering Technology | 6,321 |
| Other Electrical & Electronic Engineering Technologies | 1,640 |
| Telecommunications Technology | 421 |
| Laser & Optical Technology | 181 |
| Audio Engineering Technology | 29 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technology | 11,906 |
| Electromechanical Engineering Technology | 10,593 |
| Drafting & Design Engineering Technology | 8,964 |
| Environmental Control Technology | 8,690 |
| Engineering-Related Fields | 6,736 |
