JRIJob Risk Index
Home→Categories→Technology→Electrical Engineer

Profession JRI–36 / Technology

Will AI replace electrical engineers?

Electrical engineers design, develop, and supervise electrical systems for commercial, industrial, or scientific use. Their core work involves conferring with engineers and customers, operating computer-aided design software, performing detailed calculations, and directing installation or testing to meet specifications.

The risk spectrum — where Electrical Engineer sits
Electrical Engineer vs the 82 other jobs
Risk rank36 / 83
Automation timeline2-5 years
Median salary$120,630
Projected growth+7.2% (2024–34)
01 / Job market

Official outlook: still growing.

Within the 83 professions
Salary$120,630
$31k$171k
Growth+7.2% (2024–34)
-25.9%33.5%

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a +7.2% change in employment for this occupation between 2024 and 2034, from a current base of 198,750 people employed earning a median of $120,630 a year.

Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–34 & OEWS May 2025.

AI adoption in postings →

02 / Real salaries

Electrical Engineer salaries by city

Median pay from real records (H-1B filings and tech job postings), across the cities with most observations.

Austin$141,398San Jose$156,624Houston$116,492Sunnyvale$174,692Santa Clara$158,692Cupertino$165,494

Range shows p25–p75; the dot is the median. Sources carry a documented bias — see the full salary page.

See real salaries →

03 / How to enter

How to become an electrical engineer.

Typical preparation

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

Job training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Getting in is one thing — the day-to-day runs on a specific set of tools and skills:

Skills employers ask for

From real job postings for this role — click to explore who asks for them.

Source: O*NET 30.0 database (CC BY 4.0).

06 / FAQ

What people ask.

01Will AI replace electrical engineers?
Automated systems can take over routine calculations and CAD drafting, but interpreting vague customer requirements and weighing trade-offs need human judgment. The occupation's 59 at-risk rating and 2-5 year horizon for automation indicate significant change ahead. Critical thinking and complex problem solving remain necessary.
02How soon or how fast could that happen for Electrical Engineers?
Adoption of automated design and calculation tools could occur within 2-5 years. Routine tasks like documentation and CAD drafting are the first candidates; system-level oversight and compliance remain human responsibilities for longer. The 59 at-risk rating accompanies that 2-5 year window.
03What skills keep Electrical Engineers relevant?
Demand is high for computational modeling and simulation, as well as electrical systems integration. Engineering project coordination is listed with medium demand. Critical thinking, reading comprehension, and writing are cited as needed to enter the profession, supporting work with vague customer requirements and trade-off decisions.
04How does someone become one of Electrical Engineers, or what preparation is needed?
A four-year bachelor's degree is customary for most employers, with exceptions. The occupation's required skills include writing, critical thinking, and reading comprehension. Tools such as The MathWorks MATLAB, Autodesk AutoCAD, C, and Python are part of the toolkit.
05What related roles could Electrical Engineers pivot to?
A documented alternative is Industrial Engineers, rated 53. Engineering project coordination is listed as a medium-demand skill for electrical engineers, and that overlap makes the transition natural.
06Is a career as an Electrical Engineer a good choice to start in 2026?
Starting in 2026 is feasible, but you should weigh the positives and risks. The occupation reports +7.2% growth over 2024–34 and lists $120,630 in median annual earnings. However, the data give this field a 59 at-risk rating, and automation may take over routine tasks within 2-5 years. Focus on system-level oversight and integration to stay relevant.
07What tasks do Electrical Engineers perform?
Daily work centers on conferring with engineers and customers, operating computer-assisted design software, and performing detailed calculations. Engineers also direct or coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, and testing to meet compliance specifications. Tools commonly listed include The MathWorks MATLAB, Autodesk AutoCAD, C, Python, ESRI ArcGIS software, and Microsoft Project.