How much does an electronics engineer make?
a year · about $63 an hour
A typical electronics engineer in the United States makes $130,220 a year, about $63 an hour, about 2.6× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They use computer design tools to plan circuits, then test electronic parts or systems to see if they work as planned. They inspect results, talk through problems with teammates, and help coordinate how equipment will be made or changed.
Did you know? A NASA electronics engineer helped develop augmented-reality gear for ground and space operations and mentored a CubeSat satellite’s software project.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $81,840 and $206,960How do you become one?
Earn a U.S. bachelor's degree in electrical or electronics engineering or a related field; internships or co-ops add hands-on practice. To become a licensed PE, pass the FE exam, gain several years of experience, then pass the PE exam.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like building and doing and figuring things out
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ with experience, in-demand skills, PE licensure, location, and employer or industry, such as semiconductor manufacturing, government, or telecom. More specialized or complex work can also bring higher pay.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($160,520), lowest in Kentucky ($101,860).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
In Japan, a electronics engineer averages $46,929. Electronics engineer salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $81,840 | $130,220 | $206,960 | about 97,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $160,520 | about 21,000 |
| New Jersey | $158,730 | about 2,000 |
| Maryland | $155,650 | about 3,000 |
| Massachusetts | $138,230 | about 6,000 |
| New Mexico | $136,990 | about 1,000 |
Official definition: Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls. Excludes “Computer Hardware Engineers” (17-2061).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/electrical-and-electronics-engineer
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/17-2072.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-electronics-engineer-inspires-robotics-students
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY