General
Electrical Engineering
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Electrical Engineering.
Entry Level Salary
$72,032
Median Salary
$140,000
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
14.3%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $5,600,000
Entry (Early)
$72,032
Median (Prime)
$140,000
High (Prime)
$147,486
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
+179k
+725k
+785k
$25k / yr
+89k
+635k
+695k
$50k / yr
-1k
+545k
+605k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
29
24
24
$25k / yr
39
26
25
$50k / yr
Never
28
28
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
82%
584%
639%
$50k / yr
-1%
251%
278%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator, or for more sophisticated analysis, the Guided ROI Interview, with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate46.3%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Software developers
14.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$103,830
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$147,000|$133,080
openings
115,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.8%
Electrical and electronics engineers
11.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$81,300
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$122,708|$118,780
openings
17,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.9%
Engineers, All Other
8.6% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$84,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$135,363|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A
Management occupations
5.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$58,994
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$172,164|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Architectural and engineering managers
2.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$90,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$190,549|$167,740
openings
14,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.8%
Top executives
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$88,915
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$209,000|$104,990
openings
333,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.4%
Computer and information systems managers
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$95,647
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$168,825|$171,200
openings
55,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.2%
Postsecondary teachers
2.0% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$23,912
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$72,888|$81,600
openings
136,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
Civil engineers
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$84,341
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$117,988|$99,590
openings
23,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5%
Mechanical engineers
1.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$81,218
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$114,000|$102,320
openings
18,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +9.1%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| electrical, electronics, and communications engineering. | Undergrad Certificate | 7 | $51,518 - $59,148 |
| electrical, electronics, and communications engineering. | Associate's Degree | 32 | $42,765 - $70,773 |
| electrical, electronics, and communications engineering. | Bachelor's Degree | 356 | $60,940 - $250,168 |
| electrical, electronics, and communications engineering. | Master's Degree | 224 | $98,474 - $219,705 |
| electrical, electronics, and communications engineering. | Doctoral Degree | 117 | $214,070 - $231,917 |
| electrical, electronics, and communications engineering. | Graduate Certificate | 11 | $138,018 - $138,018 |