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Boston Career Explorer

Architecture and Engineering

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

Also called: Communication Technician (Communication Tech), Communications Technologist, Electrical Engineering Technician (Electrical Engineering Tech), Electrical Technician (Electrical Tech), Electronic Engineering Technician (Electronic Engineering Tech), Electronic Technician (Electronic Tech)

Median pay in Greater Boston
$78,190
$37.59/hr
Jobs in Greater Boston
3,290
Massachusetts 2024–2034
−3.4%
330 openings a year
Typical U.S. entry requirement
Associate's degree

Greater Boston: Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area, May 2025. Growth and openings: Massachusetts statewide projection.

Pay range in Greater Boston

Yearly pay in Greater Boston by percentile
10th25thMedian75th90th
$57,670$62,260$78,190$97,490$105,820

10% of workers earn less than the first figure and 10% earn more than the last.

What you’d do

  • Review electrical engineering plans to ensure adherence to design specifications and compliance with applicable electrical codes and standards.
  • Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components.
  • Assemble, test, or maintain circuitry or electronic components, according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, or knowledge of electronics, using hand or power tools.
  • Maintain system logs or manuals to document testing or operation of equipment.
  • Modify, maintain, or repair electronics equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
  • Compile and maintain records documenting engineering schematics, installed equipment, installation or operational problems, resources used, repairs, or corrective action performed.

AI and this job

AI exposure: how much of this job’s work AI tools can do or help with, based on national research. It is not a forecast of job loss.

Moderate exposure52 of 100

The index averages three national research measures, each shown as a percentile of all jobs:

  • AIOE 55
  • Language-model AIOE 49
  • GPTs-are-GPTs 53

Observed AI use today: Some (Anthropic Economic Index)

AI exposure for this job is moderate, and observed AI use is at a "some" level. AI tools can help with checking plans against codes, reading diagrams, and keeping test logs. They do not do the hands-on work of building, testing, and repairing circuits and equipment. Massachusetts projects this job to shrink by 3.4% from 2024 to 2034.

Likely to change

  • Checking plans against codes and specs
  • Writing and updating system logs and manuals

Still relies on people

  • Assembling and soldering circuits with hand tools
  • Hands-on repair and troubleshooting of equipment

Written with AI from the data on this page. Check with a career coach before making a decision.

Next steps from here

Related jobs that build on what you already do.

  • Medical Equipment Repairers

    Your testing and calibration skills carry over to medical equipment. It requires the same associate's degree level, and Massachusetts projects 8.4% growth.

    Pay difference
    +$290 median
    AI exposure
    Moderate
    MA growth
    +8.4%
    To get started
    Associate's degree

  • Electricians

    Reading blueprints and wiring diagrams and following electrical codes carry over. It is learned through an apprenticeship, and Massachusetts projects 11.6% growth.

    Pay difference
    +$1,720 median
    AI exposure
    Lower
    MA growth
    +11.6%
    To get started
    High school diploma or equivalent

  • Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers

    You already know how to follow electrical layouts and connect wiring and components. This job installs and repairs security and fire alarm systems.

    Pay difference
    +$370 median
    AI exposure
    Lower
    MA growth
    +4.9%
    To get started
    High school diploma or equivalent

Training near Boston

College and school programs in the Boston metro area that lead to this job, with 2023-24 completions (IPEDS).

11 programs near Boston

Related occupations

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