General
Electrical Engineering
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Electrical Engineering.
Entry Level Salary
$73,957
Median Salary
$140,000
Unemployment Rate
2.6%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
14.4%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $5,600,000
Entry (Early)
$73,957
Median (Prime)
$140,000
High (Prime)
$150,058
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
+196k
+727k
+807k
$25k / yr
+106k
+637k
+717k
$50k / yr
+16k
+547k
+627k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
28
24
23
$25k / yr
37
26
25
$50k / yr
56
28
27
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
98%
586%
659%
$50k / yr
8%
252%
288%
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).
These figures are medians for past graduates who received federal aid. Your cost and pay will differ. Run your own numbers in the Guided ROI Interview →
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
14.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$109,309
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$150,614|$135,980
openings
95,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.2%
Electrical and electronics engineers
11.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$82,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$124,334|$125,040
openings
16,300 /yr
Growth (10yr): +7.8%
Engineers, All Other
8.5% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$85,747
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$139,028|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A
Management occupations
5.7% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$60,727
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$176,854|$126,520
openings
1,081,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.2%
Architectural and engineering managers
2.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$92,644
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$194,639|$171,270
openings
14,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.5%
Top executives
2.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$91,527
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$212,546|$108,510
openings
305,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.9%
Computer and information systems managers
2.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$72,873
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$175,000|$175,140
openings
53,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.8%
Postsecondary teachers
1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$23,171
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$80,388|$82,250
openings
123,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6%
Civil engineers
1.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$86,819
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$120,046|$100,840
openings
22,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.4%
Project management specialists
1.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$90,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$139,340|$102,320
openings
76,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.7%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 22 to 27 (American Community Survey).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2025–2035).
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 | 4 | $51,518 - $102,303 |
| electrical, electronics, and communications engineering. | Associate's Degree | 26 | $42,765 - $92,891 |
| electrical, electronics, and communications engineering. | Bachelor's Degree | 351 | $60,940 - $250,168 |
| electrical, electronics, and communications engineering. | Master's Degree | 217 | $98,474 - $219,705 |
| electrical, electronics, and communications engineering. | Doctoral Degree | 115 | $143,383 - $231,917 |
| electrical, electronics, and communications engineering. | Graduate Certificate | 11 | $138,018 - $138,018 |