Electronics Engineers

ANZSCO ID 2334

Overview

Snapshot

Employed
7,600
Future Growth
2.2%
Weekly Earnings
$2,288
Full-Time Share
87%
Female Share
6%
Average age
43

Summary

Electronics Engineers design, develop, adapt, install, test and maintain electronic components, circuits and systems used for computer systems, communication systems, entertainment, transport and other industrial applications.

Specialisations: Communications Engineer (Army).

A bachelor degree in engineering majoring in electronics or a related field is needed to work as an Electronics Engineer. Some workers have a postgraduate qualification.

Tasks

  • designing electronic components, circuits and systems used for computer, communication and control systems, and other industrial applications

  • designing software, especially embedded software, to be used within such systems

  • developing apparatus and procedures to test electronic components, circuits and systems

  • supervising installation and commissioning of computer, communication and control systems, and ensuring proper control and protection methods

  • establishing and monitoring performance and safety standards and procedures for operation, modification, maintenance and repair of such systems

  • designing communications bearers based on wired, optical fibre and wireless communication media

  • analysing communications traffic and level of service, and determining the type of installation, location, layout and transmission medium for communication systems

  • designing and developing signal processing algorithms and implementing these through appropriate choice of hardware and software

Characteristics

Job Type
Professionals
Skill Level
Very high skill
ANZSCO Occupation group
Unemployment Rate
Average
Industries
Pathway(s)
  • University
Interests
  • Practical
  • Analytical
  • Creative
Physical Demand
  • Sedentary
  • Light

Outlook

Employment Outlook

JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. The latest data are for the five years from November 2021 to November 2026. Over this period, the number of workers in this occupation is likely to remain stable.

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.

Notes: The number employed includes people who work in this occupation as their main job. People who work in more than one job are counted against the occupation they work the most hours in.

Employment projections figures are rounded to the nearest 100. Calculations based on these rounded figures may result in differences to the numbers that are displayed on this page. Employment projections data (including occupations) can be downloaded from the Employment Projections page.

Projected Change
2.2%
(or 100 jobs)
From
4,300
in 2021
To
4,400
in 2026

Number of Workers

Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, ABS seasonally adjusted data to November 2021 and Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Year Employment
2011 8,000
2012 6,900
2013 8,100
2014 8,600
2015 2,300
2016 5,400
2017 4,000
2018 5,500
2019 9,100
2020 5,600
2021 4,300
2026 4,400

Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, ABS seasonally adjusted data to November 2021 and Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.


Earnings and hours

Working arrangements

  • Around 89% of people employed as Electronics Engineers work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 23 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).

    Full-time workers work an average of 43 hours per week in their main job. This is similar to the all jobs average (44 hours per week).

    More than half of workers regularly work overtime or extra hours (either paid or unpaid).

    Median full-time earnings are $2,288 per week, this is much higher than the all jobs median ($1,593):

    • 3 in 4 workers earn more than $1,756
    • 1 in 4 earn more than $2,308

    Median hourly earnings are $58, this is more than the all jobs median ($41 per hour).

    Sources: Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average. Overtime hours: ABS, Characteristics of Employment, 2021. Full-time median earnings and median hourly earnings: ABS, Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021. Compared to all jobs median.

Weekly Earnings (Before Tax)

Source: Based on ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021, Customised Report. Median weekly total cash earnings for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. Earnings are before tax and include amounts salary sacrificed. Earnings can vary greatly depending on the skills and experience of the worker and the demands of the role. These figures should be used as a guide only, not to determine a wage rate.
Earnings Electronics Engineers All Jobs Average
Full-Time Earnings 2,288 1,593
Total Earnings 0 0

Source: Based on ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021, Customised Report. Median weekly total cash earnings for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. Earnings are before tax and include amounts salary sacrificed. Earnings can vary greatly depending on the skills and experience of the worker and the demands of the role. These figures should be used as a guide only, not to determine a wage rate.


Industries

Main industries

1
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
42.3%
2
Manufacturing
19.2%
3
Information Media and Telecommunications
11.5%
4
Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services
9.6%
5
Other industries
15.4%

Regions

Employment across Australia

NSW

29.3% All occupations: 31.6%

VIC

30.8% All occupations: 25.6%

QLD

13.2% All occupations: 20.0%

SA

9.2% All occupations: 7.0%

WA

11.9% All occupations: 10.8%

TAS

0.9% All occupations: 2.0%

NT

1.2% All occupations: 1.0%

ACT

3.5% All occupations: 1.9%

Employment by State and Territory (% Share)

State Electronics Engineers All Jobs Average
NSW 29.3 31.6
VIC 30.8 25.6
QLD 13.2 20.0
SA 9.2 7.0
WA 11.9 10.8
TAS 0.9 2.0
NT 1.2 1.0
ACT 3.5 1.9



Worker profile

Age and gender

Age In Years
43
All Jobs Average is 40
Female Share
6%
All Jobs Average is 48%
  • The median age of Electronics Engineers is 43 years. This is higher than the all jobs average of 40 years.

    A large share of workers are aged 35 to 44 years.

    Females make up 6% of the workforce. This is 42 percentage points below the all jobs average of 48%.

    Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.

Age Profile (% Share)

Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Age Bracket Electronics Engineers All Jobs Average
15-19 0.1 5.0
20-24 3.5 9.3
25-34 22.6 22.9
35-44 26.5 22.0
45-54 25.5 21.6
55-59 10.7 9.0
60-64 6.8 6.0
65 and Over 4.5 4.2
Median Age 43 40

Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.


Employment Pathways

Education, training and experience

A bachelor degree in engineering majoring in electronics or a related field is needed to work as an Electronics Engineer. Some workers have a postgraduate qualification.

Registration may be required in some states and territories. In addition, Engineers Australia has a non-compulsory National Engineering Register.

Visit

  • Course Seeker to search and compare higher education courses.
  • ComparED to compare undergraduate and postgraduate student experiences and outcomes.

Highest Level of Education (% Share)

Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Type of Qualification Electronics Engineers All Jobs Average
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate 23.8 10.1
Bachelor degree 52.3 21.8
Advanced Diploma/Diploma 11.5 11.6
Certificate III/IV 6.8 21.1
Year 12 4.6 18.1
Year 11 0.2 4.8
Year 10 and below 0.6 12.5

Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.


Skills and Knowledge

Employers look for Electronics Engineers who can communicate clearly, work well in a team and have strong interpersonal skills.

Skills

Skills can be improved through training or experience.

  • 59%

    Complex problem solving

    Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.

  • 59%

    Reading comprehension

    Reading work related information.

  • 57%

    Critical thinking

    Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.

  • 57%

    Speaking

    Talking to others.

  • 57%

    Writing

    Writing things for co-workers or customers.

  • 57%

    Active listening

    Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.

  • 55%

    Systems analysis

    Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect it.

  • 54%

    Active learning

    Being able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.

  • 54%

    Quality control analysis

    Doing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.

  • 54%

    Systems evaluation

    Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.

  • 52%

    Mathematics

    Using maths to solve problems.

  • 52%

    Monitoring

    Keeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.

  • 50%

    Judgment and decision making

    Figuring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.

  • 50%

    Operation monitoring

    Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

  • 48%

    Operations analysis

    Understanding needs and product requirements to create a design.

  • 46%

    Coordination with others

    Being adaptable and coordinating work with other people.

  • 45%

    Science

    Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

  • 45%

    Instructing

    Teaching people how to do something.

  • 45%

    Negotiation

    Bringing people together and trying to sort out their differences.

  • 45%

    Troubleshooting

    Figuring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.


Knowledge

These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.

  • 91%

    Computers and electronics

    Circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

  • 81%

    Engineering and technology

    Use engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.

  • 74%

    Mathematics

    Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.

  • 72%

    Physics

    The physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.

  • 71%

    Technical design

    Design techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

  • 68%

    Mechanical

    Machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

  • 60%

    Customer and personal service

    Understanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.

  • 60%

    English language

    English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

  • 58%

    Telecommunications

    Transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

  • 56%

    Production and processing

    Raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.

  • 49%

    Education and training

    Curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

  • 48%

    Clerical

    Word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.

  • 46%

    Administration and management

    Business principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.

  • 41%

    Public safety and security

    Use of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.

  • 40%

    Chemistry

    Chemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.

  • 34%

    Communications and media

    Media production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.

  • 32%

    Personnel and human resources

    Recruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.

  • 31%

    Law and government

    How our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.

  • 26%

    Economics and accounting

    Economics and accounting, the financial markets, banking and checking and reporting of financial data.

  • 19%

    Psychology

    Human behaviour; differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; research methods; assessing and treating disorders.


Abilities

Workers use these physical and mental abilities..

  • 61%

    Written comprehension

    Read and understand written information.

  • 59%

    Oral comprehension

    Listen to and understand what people say.

  • 59%

    Problem spotting

    Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.

  • 59%

    Written expression

    Write in a way that people can understand.

  • 59%

    Visualization

    Imagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed.

  • 57%

    Deductive reasoning

    Use general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.

  • 57%

    Inductive reasoning

    Use lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.

  • 57%

    Near vision

    See details that are up-close (within a few feet).

  • 57%

    Oral expression

    Communicate by speaking.

  • 57%

    Sorting or ordering

    Order or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

  • 55%

    Mathematics

    Choose the right maths method or formula to solve a problem.

  • 55%

    Categorising

    Come up with different ways of grouping things.

  • 55%

    Originality

    Come up with unusual or clever ideas, or creative ways to solve a problem.

  • 54%

    Brainstorming

    Come up with a number of ideas about a topic, even if the ideas aren't very good.

  • 52%

    Colour discrimination

    Notice differences between colours, including shades of colour and brightness.

  • 48%

    Flexibility of closure

    See a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) hidden in other distracting material.

  • 48%

    Finger dexterity

    Put together small parts with your fingers.

  • 46%

    Speech clarity

    Speak clearly so others can understand you.

  • 45%

    Selective attention

    Pay attention to something without being distracted.

  • 45%

    Working with numbers

    Add, subtract, multiply, or divide.


Activities

These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.

  • 84%

    Keeping your knowledge up-to-date

    Keeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.

  • 83%

    Thinking creatively

    Using your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.

  • 78%

    Researching and investigating

    Looking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.

  • 76%

    Collecting and organising information

    Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.

  • 75%

    Checking compliance with standards

    Deciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

  • 74%

    Working with computers

    Using computers to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

  • 72%

    Drafting, laying out, and specifying parts

    Detailing and describing how devices, parts or equipment are to be made, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

  • 71%

    Working with electronic equipment

    Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing electronic devices and equipment.

  • 69%

    Communicating within a team

    Giving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.

  • 69%

    Looking for changes over time

    Comparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.

  • 68%

    Making sense of information and ideas

    Looking at, working with, and understanding data or information.

  • 68%

    Making decisions and solving problems

    Using information to work out the best solution and solve problems.

  • 67%

    Checking for errors or defects

    Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.

  • 65%

    Monitoring people, processes and things

    Checking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.

  • 65%

    Planning and prioritising work

    Deciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.

  • 64%

    Communicating with the public

    Giving information to the public, business or government by telephone, in writing, or in person.

  • 64%

    Documenting or recording information

    Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

  • 62%

    Building good relationships

    Building good working relationships and keeping them over time.

  • 58%

    Explaining things to people

    Helping people to understand and use information.

  • 54%

    Estimating amounts, costs and resources

    Working out sizes, distances, amounts, time, costs, resources, or materials needed for a task.


Interests and demands

Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.

Interests

Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.

  • 100%

    Analytical

    Ideas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.

  • 81%

    Practical

    Practical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

  • 57%

    Creative

    Working with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.

  • 52%

    Administrative

    Following set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.

  • 38%

    Enterprising

    Starting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.

  • 29%

    Helping

    Working with people. Helping or providing service to others.


Values

Work values are important to a person’s feeling of satisfaction. All six values are shown below.
  • 81%

    Recognition

    Advancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.

  • 81%

    Working conditions

    Job security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.

  • 76%

    Achievement

    Results oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.

  • 76%

    Independence

    Work alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.

  • 67%

    Support

    Supportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.

  • 48%

    Relationships

    Serve and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.


Demands

The physical and social demands that workers face most often are shown below:
  • 97%

    Indoors, heat controlled

    Work indoors with access to heating or cooling.

  • 96%

    Electronic mail

    Use electronic mail.

  • 95%

    Face-to-face discussions

    Talk with people face-to-face.

  • 91%

    Teamwork

    Work with people in a group or team.

  • 85%

    Unstructured work

    Have freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.

  • 84%

    Freedom to make decisions

    Have freedom to make decision on your own.

  • 83%

    Being exact or accurate

    Be very exact or highly accurate.

  • 83%

    Spend time sitting

    Spend time sitting at work.

  • 81%

    Contact with people

    Have contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.

  • 79%

    Lead or coordinate a team

    Lead others to do work activities.

  • 78%

    Impact of decisions

    Make decisions that have a large impact on other people.

  • 77%

    Telephone

    Talk on the telephone.

  • 75%

    Frequent decision making

    Frequently make decisions that impact other people.

  • 73%

    Contact with the public

    Work with customers or the public.

  • 72%

    Time pressure

    Work to strict deadlines.

  • 70%

    Responsible for outcomes

    Take responsibility for the results of other people's work.

  • 70%

    Competition

    Compete with others, or be aware of competitive pressures.

  • 66%

    Repeating same tasks

    Repeat the same tasks or activities (e.g., key entry) over and over, without stopping.

  • 64%

    Using your hands to handle, control, or feel

    Spend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.

  • 63%

    Loud or uncomfortable sounds

    Be exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.

Occupational Information Network
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 17-2072.00 - Electronics Engineers, Except Computer.


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