Median Annual wage
$119,400
Entry-Level Training
Bachelor's Degree
Median Hourly wage
$57.40
5-Year Growth Projection
+7% in Minnesota
What is an electrical engineer?
Electrical Engineers are the silent drivers of innovation, designing the equipment and systems that make the modern world work. Everything from household appliances to the massive electrical grid relies on electrical engineers. In Minnesota, they are playing a leading role in the development of cutting-edge medical technologies and the renewable energy transition. Whether they are designing circuit boards or managing large-scale construction projects, electrical engineers are essential to a functioning society.
Most electrical engineers work a standard "9-5" schedule. A typical day +might begin with a review of ongoing projects, such as checking the performance data of a new substation or a medical device prototype. You could spend several hours using CAD software to design circuit or power distribution maps. By midday, you might even be in the lab or on‑site, using equipment to test systems or to ensure compliance with safety standards. Much of the day will require collaboration, meeting with project managers and stakeholders to discuss project goals and plans. In the afternoon, you may troubleshoot unexpected technical issues or refine designs based on test results and feedback. The day often wraps up with documentation and planning next steps to keep projects on schedule.
If you are naturally curious about how things work, enjoy solving puzzles, and enjoy math and science, electrical engineering might be for you. The puzzles you will solve can be complex and might have high-stakes. Whether you want to work on the front lines of the energy industry by modernizing the grid or design life-saving medical devices, electrical engineering offers variety. It rewards workers who value precision, enjoy teamwork and collaboration, and want a career that offers long-term stability and high pay.
Design, implement, maintain, or improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, or domestic purposes.
Oversee project production efforts to assure projects are completed on time and within budget.
Direct or coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, or testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, or customer requirements.
Perform detailed calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction, or installation standards or specifications.
Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform engineering tasks.
To get started as an electrical engineer in Minnesota, you will begin by earning a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited engineering program and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. From there, you will build 48 months of progressive, hands-on design and field experience under the supervision of a licensed professional. Once your training is complete, you’ll be eligible to take the official Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam through the Minnesota State Board to fully unlock your career as a licensed Professional Engineer (note: while the state allows you to sit for the exam early, your official license will not be issued until the full 48 months of experience are completed and approved).
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