Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians
SOC Code: 17-3023
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians carries a 46% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $77,180 and +0.6% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 93,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 46% AI exposure, Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians sits 9 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 82% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians has ai exposure of 46%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians (SOC 17-3023) carries an AI exposure score of 46%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 93,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +0.6% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $77,180, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Associate's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Registered Apprenticeship Pathway Available
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians is a recognized registered apprenticeship occupation under the DOL RAPIDS system. Earn while you train, apprentices typically start at ~$16/hr and reach $28–$46/hr upon completion, depending on the specific trade and region.
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Modify, maintain, or repair electronics equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
- 2. Replace defective components or parts, using hand tools and precision instruments.
- 3. Set up and operate specialized or standard test equipment to diagnose, test, or analyze the performance of electronic components, assemblies, or systems.
- 4. Install or maintain electrical control systems, industrial automation systems, or electrical equipment, including control circuits, variable speed drives, or programmable logic controllers.
- 5. Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components.
- 6. Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions, working with manufacturers or field representatives as necessary to procure replacement parts.
- 7. Design or modify engineering schematics for electrical transmission and distribution systems or for electrical installation in residential, commercial, or industrial buildings, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
- 8. Assemble electrical systems or prototypes, using hand tools or measuring instruments.
- 9. Review electrical engineering plans to ensure adherence to design specifications and compliance with applicable electrical codes and standards.
- 10. Interpret test information to resolve design-related problems.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Complex Problem Solving
- Writing
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Design
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Telecommunications
- Physics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians?
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians has an AI exposure score of 46%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians is projected to grow by 0.6% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 93,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians?
Key skills for Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians include Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is Associate's degree.
How much do Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians is $77,180, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians is Associate's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians?
Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).