Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Machines can already do 27% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 59%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 27% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 2% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2033, and 59% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 95,130 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $78,190 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 64% for contact with people.
- Also called: Communication Technician (Communication Tech), Communications Technologist, Electrical Engineering Technician (Electrical Engineering Tech), Electrical Technician (Electrical Tech).
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Set up and operate specialized or standard test equipment to diagnose, test, or analyze the performance of electronic components, assemblies, or systems | 12% | 20% to 60% | |
| Modify, maintain, or repair electronics equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning | 9% | 3% to 30% | |
| Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components | 7% | 55% to 85% | |
| Assemble, test, or maintain circuitry or electronic components, according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, or knowledge of electronics, using hand or power tools | 7% | 20% to 60% | |
| Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions, working with manufacturers or field representatives as necessary to procure replacement parts | 5% | 3% to 30% | |
| Compile and maintain records documenting engineering schematics, installed equipment, installation or operational problems, resources used, repairs, or corrective action performed | 4% | 70% to 95% | |
| Assemble electrical systems or prototypes, using hand tools or measuring instruments | 4% | 20% to 60% | |
| Install or maintain electrical control systems, industrial automation systems, or electrical equipment, including control circuits, variable speed drives, or programmable logic controllers | 4% | 3% to 30% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Lighting Technicians52% of tasks by 2035 · US median $68,060
- Robotics Technicians47% of tasks by 2035 · US median $73,900
- Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar57% of tasks by 2035 · US median $122,930
- Avionics Technicians52% of tasks by 2035 · US median $82,280
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2033. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians?
Machines can do 27% of the tasks of electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians today and 59% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 17-3023.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/electrical-and-electronic-engineering-technologists-and-technicians/