How To Become An Electrical Engineer In Australia?

Do you have good problem-solving skills and a grasp of mathematics and technical design? If yes, a career as an electrical engineer could be worth exploring.

Electrical engineers design and develop electrical equipment and systems to produce, distribute, and utilise electrical energy. They also oversee the maintenance, installation, and operation of these systems.

To work as an electrical engineer in Australia, you need an undergraduate degree in engineering, focussing on electrical and electronic engineering or a related field. Some workers also have a postgraduate degree in a sub-discipline.

This blog discusses the job profile of an Electrical Engineer, lists their duties, mentions the study pathway to becoming one and answers some of the related frequently asked questions, including the electrical engineer's salary, what they do, and more.

1. What Is An Electrical Engineer?

Electrical Engineers have expert knowledge of physics, mathematics, electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. They apply their know-how to create, implement, and test electrical systems that process and transmit energy, such as power transmission and motor control.

They oversee planning and developing power grids, power stations, and equipment for generators and provide solutions to electrical issues. 

Electrical Engineers work on various technologies throughout their careers, including building wiring and lighting, electrical power stations, satellite communications, and household products.

2. What Does An Electrical Engineer Do?

Electrical Engineers can work in various industries and have plenty of progression opportunities. 

Though their exact work responsibilities depend on the industry they work in and their position, the most common ones include the following:

• Use software to design and develop power distribution networks and electric components and systems such as circuit breakers, conductors, cathode ray tubes, electric motors, etc.

• Design and install signalling and control equipment for road, air, and rail traffic

• Use computer-aided design software to prepare drawings of electrical systems.

• Understand specifications, drawings, regulations, and standards concerning electric power equipment and its use

• Oversee manufacture, installation, operation, and upkeep of electrical systems to generate, distribute, and control electric power. 

• Work on electronic systems used for communications, computing, and other industrial applications

• Install and test electrical systems and processes, and troubleshoot any faults

• Carry out detailed computations to develop specifications and standards for the manufacture, construction, and installation of electrical equipment

• Based on their calculations, decide the most suitable type and arrangement of circuits, circuit breakers, transmission lines, transformers, and other electrical equipment.

• Conduct surveys related to the operations of electrical networks, and systems

• Introduce changes in electric motors, components, equipment, and appliances to improve their functioning 

• Specify delivery and installation schedules for machines, cables, fittings, and switchgear

• Prepare reports and instruction manuals to install new electrical systems and equipment.

3. Electrical Engineer Qualifications

To work as an Electrical Engineer in Australia, you need formal education in electrical engineering or a related field. 

Here are the complete steps to qualify for this role:

• Gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in prerequisite subjects, such as mathematics and physics.

• Complete a university degree in engineering or science with a major in electrical, electronic, communications telecommunications, electrical power, and network engineering, like a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical Engineering). 

• Study for a postgraduate course in engineering like Master of Electrical Engineering to further your chances of becoming a consultant, manager, or project leader 

• Apply for membership in Engineers Australia or the Electrical Energy Society of Australia

4. Steps To Become An Electrical Engineer In Australia

Follow the below steps to get started in this profession:

Step 1: Earn A Relevant Bachelor's Degree

The essential step to becoming an industry-ready Electrical Engineer with real-world experience is to complete a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, majoring in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university.

This qualification helps students understand electrical theory, digital and analogue technologies, electronic measurement principles, and the technical aspects of a range of electrical devices.

Students gain hands-on experience with different technologies, including electrical and electronic equipment, measurement equipment, sensors, microprocessors, rotating machines, power electronics, automated test equipment, embedded real-time controllers, and the Internet of Things to work in a diverse field of applications.

Step 2: Get Registered

When working as an independent Electrical Engineer, some states require registering with authorities specific to your field of work and holding a Professional Engineer's Licence.

You can get the license after a minimum of 4 years of industry work experience as an Electric Engineer. Check the licensing requirements of the state/territory you intend to work in.

Step 3: Get An Entry-Level Position

After obtaining the degree and license, you are ready to start applying for entry-level positions. The industry experience you gain by working in the job enhances your skill set and prepares you for real-world problems.

Step 4: Continue Learning

Working in this rapidly evolving field requires you to constantly train and educate yourself to stay up to date on technological advancements even after the initial break. After gaining some experience, you can consider advancing in your career as an electrical engineer:

• By earning a postgraduate qualification like a Master's in Engineering or a Doctorate

• Through substantial work experience and achievements

• By taking the Professional Certification courses

Industry Bodies:

• Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists, and Managers Australia 

• Engineers Australia 

• National Engineering Registration Board 

5. How Much Do Electrical Engineers Earn In Australia?

Various factors may influence an electrical engineer's salary, such as:

• Years of experience

• Educational background and qualifications earned 

• Work location

• Work experience

According to Pay Scale, the national average salary for an Electrical Engineer is AU$76,679 per year or equivalent to AU$32.59 per hour.

Salary Based on Experience

The starting salary of an entry-level electrical engineer may be lower than the average salary. Still, it will gradually increase with work experience, knowledge, and skills in this domain.

• Entry-level Electrical Engineers (<1-year experience): AU$62,939 per year

• Early career Electrical Engineers (1-4 years of experience): AU$72,445 per year 

• Mid-career Electrical Engineers (5-9 years of experience): AU$91,139 per year

• Experienced Electrical Engineers (10-19 years of experience): AU$110,224 per year 

Salary Based on Work Location

Based on job vacancy data, Electrical Engineers earn higher salaries in the following cities:

• Melbourne: $95,161 per year

• Adelaide: $129,177 per year

• Brisbane: $114,365 per year

• Darwin: $114,284 per year

• Sydney: $106,511 per year

• Perth: $103,783 per year

• Canberra: $92,260 per year

6. Working Conditions For An Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers usually work in offices or on-site at power generation facilities, electrical systems, or construction sites. 

They may also undertake practical work in workshops or laboratories. They usually work standard business hours but may require overtime for any upcoming event.

The job generally involves working in dangerous conditions using live electrical equipment. While at work, Electrical engineers work closely with other professionals in the business, such as civil and mechanical engineers, senior administrators, computer scientists, building designers, and architects.

7. Where Do Electrical Engineers Work?

Skilled Electrical Engineers can land a great position across a range of industries:

• Telecommunications

• Information Technology 

• Transport 

• Mining Resource Extraction

• Construction

• Electricity transmission & distribution

• Automobile (Electric Vehicles)

• Aerospace Manufacturing (Spacecraft and Satellites)

• Railways

• Manufacturing and Service

• Waste processing 

• Mineral processing 

• Defence

Opportunities also exist to work for the state and federal government departments, electricity suppliers, engineering services, infrastructure providers and operators, consulting engineers, and major power companies like Energy Queensland, Origin, or Powerlink.

8. Areas Of Specialisation

Electrical engineers can specialise in various sub-disciplines of Electrical Engineering, such as:

• Communication

• Traffic systems and Air traffic control

• Consumer products

• Power generation and transmission systems

• Signal processing and control

• Instrumentation

• Electronics

• Computers

• Microelectronics

• Generators 

• Metal refining

• Rolling mills

• Switch gears and Electric motors 

• Transformers

• Telemetry and control systems

Besides these, a few engineers also specialise in consulting, project management, research and development of electrical technology or production machinery.

The Most Common Specialist Roles include:

• Electrical Maintenance Engineers

• Electrical Power Engineers

• Electrical Design Engineer

• Railway Signalling Engineer

• Signalling And Communications Engineer

9. The Most Common Jobs That Involve Electric Engineers

Qualified and skilled Electric engineers can work in any of the below positions across various industries in Australia:

• Electrical Engineer

• Electrical Engineering Officer

• Electrical Maintenance Technician

• Power Systems Technician 

• Telecommunications Technician

• Electrical Drafter/ Designer 

• Technical Officer 

• Electrical Engineering Technologist 

• Senior Technical Offer 

• Engineering Support Officer 

• Senior Engineering Officer

10. Job Prospects Of Electrical Engineers In Australia

ANZSCO Occupation Group: 2333 Electrical Engineers

Electrical Engineers make a significant contribution to various sectors. From life-saving medical equipment to energy-efficient power grids, they design vital electrical systems and technologies powering our day-to-day lives.

They are responsible for inventing and manufacturing many modern comforts that make our life sustainable. These include GPS navigation systems, electric motors, and other electrical devices.

There are myriad opportunities for Electrical Engineers with graduate expertise and applied experience. Many of Australia's largest companies or engineering corporations regularly seek capable candidates to fill their positions.

Furthermore, the demand for Electrical Engineers has seen a rapid surge in the telecommunications industry. With growing technological advancement, the use of mobile phones, and the entrance of new telecom companies into the Australian market, future job growth will remain strong in this industry. 

According to Labour Market Insights, the number of workers will grow and reach 30,500 by 2026.

Working Arrangements

Around 91% of employed Electrical Engineers work full-time hours for an average of 44 hours per week which is the same as the average for all other jobs. More than 50% of workers regularly work overtime or additional hours.

Major Industries For Employment

• Professional, Scientific, And Technical Services: 31.7%

• Electricity, Gas, Water, And Waste Services: 21.2%

• Manufacturing: 17.4%

• Construction: 9.9%

• Other Industries (Mining): 19.1%

Percentage Of Employment Across Australia

Western Australia and New South Wales have the largest share of employees.

• New South Wales: 36.2%

• Victoria: 20.8%

• Queensland: 19.3%

• South Australia: 5.3%

• Western Australia: 14.0%

• Tasmania: 1.6%

• Northern Territory: 1.1%

• Australian Capital Territory: 1.7%

Worker's Age And Gender Profile

• The average age of Electrical Engineers is 39 years, with most between 25 and 34 years. (Average of all other jobs: 40 years)

• Females constitute 7% of the workforce which is significantly lower than the average of all other jobs, 48%.

11. Frequently Asked Questions

How To Migrate To Australia As An Electrical Engineer?

Electrical Engineering Draftsperson (312311) is presently on the Skilled Occupations List. Engineers Australia is the governing body that delivers the skills assessment for Electrical Engineering Draftspersons in Australia.

To obtain a positive skills assessment, overseas candidates must undertake an Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology – Electrical qualification. It will make them eligible to participate in the job-ready program.

Working in the JRP program for at least 1-year as a qualified Electrical Engineering Draftsperson eliminates the need for your employer to sponsor your visa. It will, in turn, enhance your chance of finding employment and make it easier for employers to hire you.

Follow the below steps to study and work as a Professional Electric Engineer in Australia:

• Step 1: Study a course/set of courses for at least two years, including the Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology – Electrical.

• Step 2: Complete 360 hours of vocational placement during your studies to apply for and obtain the Temporary Graduate Visa. It allows you to live and work in Australia for up to 18 months. 

• Step 3: Participate in the Job Ready Program as an Electrical Engineering Draftsperson to obtain a positive skills assessment for general migration. 

• Step 4: Those who obtain a positive skills assessment and complete the points test and health checks can apply for a General Skilled Migration Visa. You don't need an employer to sponsor your visa with this pathway.

How To Become An Electrical Engineer Without A Degree?

To become an Electrical Engineer in Australia, you need a bachelor's degree. It is an essential educational requirement, without which most employers won't hire you for this position.

A few firms even require a master's or doctoral degree in electrical engineering and some years of experience in this role. 

Suppose you are interested in pursuing this profession. In that case, you must devote time and effort to meet the qualification criteria for this role.

How To Become An Electrical Engineer In Melbourne?

The University of Melbourne offers various electrical engineering courses in Melbourne. 

The ideal learning pathway is to start with a 3-year Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Electrical Systems. Follow it up with a 2-year Master of Electrical Engineering to become an accredited engineer.

Graduates of any other discipline can consider studying for a 2 to 3-year Master of Electrical Engineering to work as a professional Electrical Engineer.

The course details are as follows:

Bachelor of Science (Electrical Engineering Systems)

• Guaranteed ATAR: 88.00

• Three years full-time / 6 years part-time

• Honours available

• On Campus (Parkville)

Career Outcomes: Work in Electrical Engineering and other related areas such as applied mathematics, teaching, management, finance, and applied science.

Students gain a scientific understanding of electrical phenomena to formulate and solve problems in telecommunications, monitoring and automation, digital computing, and energy distribution and an ability to construct lab experiments and simulations.

Additionally, the electrical engineering course equips them with problem-solving abilities, design skills, and good communication skills crucial to working in this role. 

How Much Does It Cost To Study To Be An Electrical Engineer?

The cost of studying for an electrical engineering course may vary from one university to another. Since the fee changes from time to time, refer to the university course links to get an exact idea.

Refer to the below links to find out the course fee charged by top Australian universities:

• Bachelor of Engineering Science (Electrical & Electronic Engineering) -The University of Southern Queensland

• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical & Electronic Engineering) - The University of Southern Queensland

• Associate Degree of Engineering (Electrical & Electronic Engineering) - The University of Southern Queensland

• Electrical and Electronic Engineering – The University of Western Australia

• Bachelor of Science (Electrical Engineering Systems) – The University of Melbourne

How To Become A Successful Electrical Engineer?

To succeed in this profession, you need a combination of technical competency and soft skills. Most professional electrical engineers have the following skills:

Technical Skills

• Good math and science knowledge

• In-depth understanding of circuit operation to create, repair and maintain electrical devices.

• Basic knowledge of programming languages 

• A good understanding of computers, CAD software, modelling programs, and electrical testing equipment.

• Familiar with various electrical circuitry and parts, such as transformers, circuit breakers, and transmission lines. 

Soft Skills

• Enjoy computing and technical design

• Able to identify, examine and solve problems

• Good interpersonal skills

• Good communication skills to convey ideas effectively 

• Good oral and written communication skills

• Practical 

• Creative

• Able to work independently or in a team

• Willing to accept responsibility

• Critical Thinking

• Organisational and Time Management Skills

12. Conclusion

Now that you know what electrical engineers do and the required education and skills to work in this role, follow the above steps to start your professional journey in this field.

Useful Links to Explore:

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• How to find Part-Time work as a Student in Australia
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• How to get a Scholarship to Study in Australia
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• The Benefits of a Professional Year Program (PYP)
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia
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