Is a master’s in electrical engineering worth it?
Do you want to enhance your knowledge of electrical engineering and access higher-paying positions? A master's program may be right for you. Read on to learn what a master's in electrical engineering can do for your career.
By: Janice Mejías Avilés, Edited by: Marie Custodio Collazo
Last updated: July 18, 2025
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With a master's in electrical engineering, you can move beyond theory into advanced, applied work that meets industry needs. You'll gain hands-on experience and a credential that signals to employers that you're ready for more. In many cases, that edge can mean higher pay and a stronger position than peers with only a bachelor's degree.
What are the benefits of a master's in electrical engineering?
A master's degree in electrical engineering offers both professional and financial benefits.
Here are some of the top reasons students choose to pursue an electrical engineering graduate degree:
- Boost your salary and earning potential: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), master's degree-holders earned $1,840 in median weekly earnings in 2024, while bachelor's degree-holders earned $1,543 — that's about $15,500 more per year for professionals with a master's degree.
- Specialize in high-demand areas like AI or power systems: Master's programs let you focus on niche fields, such as signal processing, power systems, or artificial intelligence (AI).
- Pivot to a new sector or advance in your current one: If your bachelor's degree is in another engineering specialty or a different subject, a master's in electrical engineering can help you transition into fast-growing areas like renewable energy, biomedical engineering, or telecommunications.
- Qualify for leadership or research and development (R&D) roles: A master's degree is often required for roles like lead engineer, engineering manager, or R&D lead, where advanced expertise and decision-making are expected.
Is there high demand for electrical engineering graduates?
The job outlook for electrical engineers in the US is strong. The BLS projects that positions for these professionals will grow by 9% between 2023 and 2033, more than double the average across all fields.
Roughly 19,000 new electrical and electronics engineering job openings are expected yearly, fueled by innovation and workforce turnover.
How much can you earn with a master's in electrical engineering?
As an electrical engineer with a master's degree, you can expect to earn around six figures, with the potential to earn more in specialized or advanced roles. According to the BLS, in May 2024, the median annual salary for electrical engineers was $111,910.
While these figures reflect roles typically open to bachelor's degree-holders, graduate-level professionals often qualify for higher-paying positions.
While education and experience matter, where you work can make just as big a difference. Some industries consistently pay higher salaries than others. Below are five of the top-paying industries for electrical engineers, based on the latest BLS data.
| Industry | BLS median annual salary (May 2024) |
|---|---|
| Aerospace product and parts manufacturing | $136,570 |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | $130,840 |
| Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing | $115,700 |
| Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution | $114,720 |
| Engineering services | $103,450 |
How much does a master's degree in electrical engineering cost?
The cost of a master's in electrical engineering depends on several factors, including:
- The type of institution (public or private)
- Program format (online or on campus)
- Program length (typically 1-2 years)
- Whether you study full time or part time
- The total number of credits required
- Your residency status (in-state or out-of-state)
For reference, based on 2020 data from the National Center for Education Statistics, students in on-campus engineering master's programs paid an average of $21,072 per year in tuition and fees. Those enrolled fully online paid significantly less — about $13,688 per year on average.
To help manage costs, graduate students often combine multiple funding options:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Tuition assistance from employers
- Income from assistantships or part-time work
- Federal or institutional loan programs
What will you learn in an electrical engineering master's?
Master's in electrical engineering programs can give you the knowledge and skills you need to work in systems engineering, computer architecture, nanotechnology, engineering management, and other high-paying engineering fields.
Courses
Coursework in a master's in electrical engineering program may include:
- Circuit theory
- Foundations of AI and machine learning
- Linear systems
- Microelectronics
- Nanostructures
- Natural language processing
- Robotic concepts
Specializations
Additionally, you may choose a specialization area such as:
- Automatic control
- Computer engineering
- Electromagnetics, antennas, microwave circuits
- Fields and optics
- Signal processing and communication
Most electrical engineering graduate programs require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field from a school accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). If your bachelor's degree is in an unrelated field, you may need to complete prerequisite courses before starting a master's program.
Explore master's in electrical engineering
Now that you've explored the career impact, salary potential, and cost considerations, you're in a better position to decide if a master's in electrical engineering aligns with your goals. When you're ready, explore online master's programs and electrical engineering online courses available on edX.