Umair Gaines
Electrical designers are responsible for designing electrical control systems and custom automation equipment. They need to be experts in electricity and wiring, and be able to estimate the labour, cost and materials needed for each project. To become an electrical designer, you'll need a mix of education and experience. While some electrical designers have a bachelor's or master's degree, it's possible to become one without a degree. Common majors for electrical designers include electrical engineering, drafting and design, and electrical engineering technology. You can also take online courses to gain the necessary skills, or gain experience by working on relevant projects or volunteering as a junior electrical designer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualifications | 38.7% of electrical designers have a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. 47% hold an associate degree. 30% major in electrical engineering. 4.2% have master's degrees. |
| Skills | Problem-solving, communication, attention to detail, consistency, and hands-on field experience. |
| Experience | Work on relevant projects or volunteer as a junior electrical designer. |
| Certification Exams | CEM, CCST, PSE, CRE, and CESCP. |
| Salary | The average salary of an electrical designer annually is $68,000, ranging from $47,000 to $89,000 per year. |
| Tools | PDMS, NavisWorks, AutoCAD, INTOOLS, SolidWorks, DIALux, Excel Sheets. |
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What You'll Learn
Educational requirements
Although it is possible to become an electrical designer with only a high school diploma or GED, most electrical designers have at least an associate degree or bachelor's degree. In fact, 47% of electrical designers hold an associate degree, and 38.7% hold a bachelor's degree. Of these degree-holders, the majority have majored in electrical engineering, drafting and design, or electrical engineering technology. Less commonly, some electrical designers have master's degrees.
Electrical designers often get their degrees from the University of Houston, Pennsylvania State University, and Ranken Technical College. The best colleges for electrical designers, based on admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, and the ratio of working graduates versus non-working students ten years after admission, are Carnegie Mellon University, Northeastern University, and Stanford University.
There are also many online electrical designer courses to help you get the education required to be an electrical designer. These courses can cover topics such as electrical control and protection systems, mechanical and electrical system modelling, simulation and control, electrical low-voltage system distribution design, and AutoCAD electrical.
In addition to formal education, it is important to gain practical skills and experience. One way to do this is by working on relevant projects or volunteering as a junior electrical designer. Networking and building relationships with other professionals in the field can also help you break into the industry.
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Gaining experience
Education
Electrical designers commonly hold degrees in electrical engineering, drafting and design, or electrical engineering technology. A bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, business, law, science, or a related field is often preferred by employers. Additionally, master's degrees can further enhance career prospects and earning potential.
On-the-Job Training
New electrical designers typically undergo on-the-job training, where they learn the skills and techniques specific to their employer and role. This training period allows individuals to gain practical experience and become proficient in various software tools and industry standards.
Industry Certifications
Industry certifications can be a valuable way to gain specialised knowledge and demonstrate expertise in specific areas of electrical design. Examples of certifications include the Certified Power Systems Engineer (PSE) credential offered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP) certification offered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). These certifications often involve rigorous examinations and adherence to ethical standards.
Volunteering and Projects
Another way to gain experience is by volunteering as a junior electrical designer or working on relevant projects. This allows individuals to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, build their portfolios, and make valuable industry connections.
Skill Development
Electrical designers should continuously develop their skills, such as communication, problem-solving, attention to detail, and consistency. Proficiency in software tools like PDMS, NavisWorks, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Excel is also highly valued in the industry.
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Certification options
The specific certifications you can pursue as an electrical designer depend on your career goals and interests within the field. Here are some options to consider:
- Electrical Technician Certification: This certification can be a good starting point for those seeking to become electrical designers. It provides a foundation in electrical principles and safety, which are crucial aspects of electrical design work.
- Engineer In Training (EIT) Certification: The EIT certification is often pursued by those aiming to become professional engineers. While electrical designers may not need the full scope of this certification, it can enhance your understanding of engineering principles and their application in design.
- Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST): Offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA), the CCST certification is ideal if you want to specialise in control systems within electrical design. It validates your proficiency in calibration, maintenance, repair, installation, and troubleshooting of control systems, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
- Certified Power Systems Engineer (PSE): Provided by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the PSE certification is for professionals working with electrical power systems. It assesses your technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and understanding of current technologies and regulations in power system analysis, design, operation, and control.
- Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP): The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers the CESCP certification for professionals aiming to validate their expertise in electrical safety standards. This certification is particularly relevant for ensuring workplace safety and complying with NFPA 70E standards.
- Certified Energy Manager (CEM): Candidates for the CEM certification must meet specific educational and experience requirements, including a bachelor's degree in a related field and work experience in energy management or engineering. Passing the CEM examination demonstrates your competence in energy management and commitment to the AEE Code of Ethics.
These certifications can enhance your knowledge, skills, and credibility as an electrical designer. They showcase your expertise in specific areas and your commitment to professional development, which can be advantageous when seeking employment or advancing your career.
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Resume and job search
Resume
A resume is a crucial part of your job application. It should be clear, coherent, and stand out among other candidates' resumes. Here are some tips to make your resume more effective:
- Format and Structure: Use a straightforward and effective format, such as PDF, which ensures consistency across different platforms. Structure your resume with a clear header, summary, and skills section.
- Content and Keywords: Focus on your most recent and relevant roles, highlighting your experience and expertise in electrical design. Include technical skills, such as CAD software proficiency, project management, and compliance with electrical codes. Also, mention soft skills like problem-solving, attention to detail, and communication abilities.
- Achievements: Include successful project completions, innovative design solutions, and any contributions that showcase your value as an electrical designer.
Job Search
When searching for electrical designer jobs, online job boards like Indeed.com are a great place to start. You can find various job postings, such as Electrical Designer, Electrical Engineer, and more.
Company websites are also worth exploring, as some organizations, like Keller Associates, advertise job openings on their own platforms.
Additionally, networking within the industry and leveraging professional connections can be beneficial. Platforms like LinkedIn can help you connect with potential employers and showcase your skills and experience.
Certifications
To enhance your credentials and increase your competitiveness in the job market, consider pursuing relevant certifications:
- Certified Power Systems Engineer (PSE) offered by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
- Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP) offered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
- Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA).
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Salary expectations
Data from 2024 suggests that the average salary for an electrical designer in the United States is around $81,505 per year, with a range of $73,732 to $93,913. However, estimates vary, with one source citing an average of $83,176 per year. These figures can be influenced by additional pay, such as cash bonuses, commission, tips, and profit-sharing, which can increase the total compensation package.
Location also plays a significant factor in salary expectations for electrical designers. For example, in March 2025, the average hourly rate for an electrical designer in Chicago, IL, was $40 per hour, which is higher than the national average of $39.19. Other cities, such as Nome, AK, and Berkeley, CA, also offer salaries above the national average, with variations influenced by the cost of living.
Electrical designers can also increase their salary potential by pursuing specific certifications and specializations. For instance, electrical designers with management roles or those working in industries such as management & consulting, aerospace & defense, and energy, mining & utilities tend to earn higher salaries.
Overall, salary expectations for electrical designers can vary widely depending on a combination of factors, including education, experience, location, industry, and specialization.
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Frequently asked questions
Around half of electrical designers hold an associate degree, and around 40% hold a bachelor's degree. The most common majors for an electrical designer include electrical engineering, drafting and design, and electrical engineering technology.
Yes, you will need some on-the-job training to become an electrical designer. This can be gained through working on relevant projects or volunteering as a junior electrical designer.
You will need to be proficient in using software such as PDMS, NavisWorks, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Excel. You will also need to be able to design control systems to NFPA, UL, and CE specifications to comply with country-specific standards.
You will need good communication skills, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and consistency.
There are several certifications that can be useful for electrical designers, including Electrical Technician Certification and Engineer In Training Certification (EIT). You may also want to consider certifications like the Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) or the Certified Power Systems Engineer (PSE), depending on your specific career goals and interests.
