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Working as an Electrical or Electronics Engineer

Industry Overview

Industry experts anticipate there will be demand for electrical and electronics engineers in utilities companies such as electric, gas and telephone. Emerging alternative and renewable energy resource sectors including solar, wind and geothermal may also provide job opportunities. This could result in an increase in jobs that are located outside of larger cities.

The aerospace, oil and high voltage power system industries may provide opportunities for larger electronic and electrical engineering companies to work on international contracts.

Since most companies looking to hire an engineering firm consider the reputation of the whole firm and not just the people who work there, self-employment may not be a good option for those in this career.

Source: WorkBC

Job Outlook in BC

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expected job openings, forecasted job openings, employment growth rate, and composition of job openings

You can learn more about this career from:

Useful Website Description

Profiles for Electrical Engineer and Electronics Engineer

Types of Employers

Electrical and electronics engineers work for:

  • electrical utilities
  • communications companies
  • manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment
  • government agencies
  • professional, scientific, and technical services firms (consulting firms)
  • a wide range of manufacturing, processing and transportation industries

You may work in a more specialized field if you have a master’s degree. If you obtain a doctoral degree, you can contribute to the field through research and teaching at the post-secondary level, or you may find employment in a large firm in your area of specialization.

Salary & Working Hours

In BC, the median annual salary is $83,341. Your salary depends on a number of factors, including experience, level of education, employer, and specialization.

In addition to a salary, most full time engineers also receive benefits such as health and dental insurance, paid sick leave and vacation time. You may also receive further benefits, including performance-based bonuses, use of a company car, and pension plan contributions.

Sources: WorkBC & Career Cruising 

In BC regions you can expect to make:

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low, median, high hourly wages for in BC, by region

Source: Job Bank, Wage Report

Working Hours

You usually work a standard 40-hour week. However, you may occasionally be expected to work longer hours, evenings or weekends in order to meet project deadlines.