Massachusetts has one of the hottest markets in the country for electrical engineering jobs. Here's how to get one.

By Richard Barrington
RWM Columnist
May 08, 2007

Massachusetts is known for its New England charm and many historical sites, but it also has a more modern claim to fame as a hotbed for electronics. This makes Massachusetts a prime location for anyone considering an electrical engineering degree.

Electrical engineering degrees are among the most sought-after degrees nationally, but Massachusetts boasts a particular concentration of electrical engineering jobs.

Demand for Electrical Engineering Degrees
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, electrical engineering degrees rank second on the list of top ten qualifications desired by employers. Here are some of the kinds of employers offering electrical engineering jobs:

• Manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment and machinery
• Utility companies
• Automotive companies
• Mechanical equipment manufacturers

Of course, electrical engineering jobs can also be found with smaller employers, from construction companies to repair shops.

Job Concentration in Massachusetts
While electrical engineering degrees are in demand nationally, there is a particular concentration of these jobs in Massachusetts. Out of all 50 states, Massachusetts ranks second in concentration of electrical engineering jobs (i.e., these jobs as a percentage of the total workforce).

Compensation is generally a function of supply-and-demand: the more demand, the higher the pay. The concentration of electrical engineering jobs in Massachusetts tips the balance in favor of job seekers. Average compensation for electrical engineering jobs is higher in Massachusetts than in any other state in the nation.

In particular, Framingham, MA is a hub for the electrical engineering job market. Framingham boasts a higher concentration of electrical engineering jobs than any other metropolitan area in the country, and an annual mean wage for those jobs of $95,350.

Programs Offered Because of the specialized nature of these jobs, formal training is a must. Massachusetts electrical engineering schools offer a range of programs in the field, starting with certificates and associate's degrees. Fields of study include electrical circuitry, wiring, design, installation, and repair.

The job market has been growing in Massachusetts and across the nation as a whole. Attending an electrical engineering school can spark your entry into a highly-charged area of that market.

Sources:
National Association of Colleges and Employers
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Electrical Engineers
Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development

About the Author
Richard Barrington is an author and freelance writer. He has written a manuscript on business communication titled "That's Not What You Said!" and a novel entitled "Spinning (out of control)".