Electrical Engineering Technician
Test and maintain electrical equipment and systems while providing practical technical support to electrical engineering projects.
What They Do
Electrical Engineering Technicians provide practical technical support for the design, installation, testing and maintenance of electrical systems and equipment.
They collect measurements, perform tests and calculations, inspect equipment and help identify faults in electrical installations.
Jobs and Skills Australia also identifies estimating materials and costs, checking equipment against specifications, repairing electrical systems and assisting Electrical Engineers with research and project work among the occupation's main responsibilities.
Who This Career Suits
This career suits people who enjoy technology, electrical systems and practical problem solving.
Electrical Engineering Technicians need strong attention to detail because they often work with electrical measurements, technical drawings and equipment where accuracy and safety are critical.
It can particularly suit someone who enjoys engineering but prefers practical testing, installation and troubleshooting rather than working entirely in design or office-based engineering roles.
Key Skills
Electrical Systems, Technical Skills, Problem Solving, Testing & Measurement, Attention to Detail, Fault Finding, Engineering Knowledge, Safety Awareness
Work Environment
Industrial, Workshop, Field-Based, Technical, Active
Education & Training
Vocational education is a common pathway into electrical engineering technician work.
The UEE50420 Diploma of Electrical Engineering develops advanced skills in electrical equipment and systems, including commissioning, maintenance, testing and diagnosing faults.
This particular diploma has entry requirements. Applicants generally need to have completed the UEE30820 Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician or hold an equivalent unrestricted Australian electrical licence.
Training can include:
electrical systems, fault diagnosis, testing equipment, electrical machines, protection systems, control systems, commissioning, technical calculations and electrical safety.
Other diploma, advanced diploma and engineering technology pathways may also lead to technician-level work depending on the employer and type of electrical industry.
Career Changer Pathway
Electrical engineering technician work can suit qualified Electricians and people working in electrical maintenance, manufacturing, automation or industrial equipment.
For a licensed Electrician, additional diploma-level study can provide a pathway into more advanced testing, commissioning and engineering-support work.
People from electronics, instrumentation or related technical careers may also have transferable skills, although additional electrical qualifications may be required depending on the role.
Early Career
Early-career technicians develop experience testing equipment, collecting technical data and assisting with electrical installations and maintenance.
They may work alongside Electrical Engineers, Electricians and experienced technicians while learning workplace systems and technical standards.
Typical responsibilities can include equipment testing, documentation, fault finding and assisting with commissioning work.
Mid Career
Experienced Electrical Engineering Technicians work more independently on complex electrical equipment and engineering projects.
They may specialise in:
industrial electrical systems, power distribution, switchgear, protection systems, automation, manufacturing equipment, testing or commissioning.
They may also coordinate technical work and provide practical support during equipment upgrades and major projects.
Senior / Veteran Career
Experienced technicians can progress into Senior Electrical Technician, Commissioning Technician, Technical Supervisor or Engineering Coordinator roles.
Others move into electrical project management, maintenance planning, automation, technical sales or specialist commissioning work.
Further study can also provide pathways into Engineering Technologist or Electrical Engineering roles.
Salary Guide
Early Career
85000
Mid Career
115000
Senior / Veteran
150000
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Salary data source:
Jobs and Skills Australia / ABS
Salary data source URL:
Date :
9 October 2026 at 12:00:00 am
Career Outlook
Jobs and Skills Australia identifies approximately 6,800 Electrical Engineering Technicians working across industries including construction, manufacturing and electricity, gas, water and waste services.
The broader Electrical Engineering Draftspersons and Technicians group contains approximately 10,500 workers, although recent annual employment growth for the group was flat.
However, JSA's 2025 Skills in Demand analysis identified Electrical Engineering Technician as experiencing metropolitan shortage conditions, indicating recruitment pressure in parts of the Australian labour market.
Demand is also supported by electrical infrastructure, renewable energy, industrial automation, manufacturing and increasingly complex electrical systems.
Job Outlook :
Outlook Source :
Moderate
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