Electrical Designer role in AEC — architecture engineering construction
AEC Career Library

Electrical Designer: Role Overview, Responsibilities & 2025 Salary Data

Electrical Designers support licensed engineers in developing electrical drawings and documentation for building projects. They produce detailed layouts for power, lighting, and low-voltage systems under the direction of a project engineer or PE.

What Does a Electrical Designer Do?

Electrical Designers support licensed engineers in developing electrical drawings and documentation for building projects. They produce detailed layouts for power, lighting, and low-voltage systems under the direction of a project engineer or PE.

What Does a Electrical Designer Responsible For?

  • Produce electrical drawings using Revit MEP or AutoCAD
  • Layout lighting, power, and data systems on floor plans
  • Assist with panel schedules, one-line diagrams, and load calculations
  • Coordinate with mechanical and architectural teams
  • Process RFIs and assist with submittal reviews
  • Maintain drawing standards and file management
  • Support field questions and as-built documentation
  • Work toward professional development and licensure

Electrical Designer Qualifications & Requirements

Technical Skills

  • 2-7 years of electrical drafting or design experience
  • Proficiency in Revit MEP and/or AutoCAD
  • Understanding of NEC and basic electrical principles
  • Ability to read one-line diagrams and riser drawings
  • Lighting design experience a plus

Professional Competencies

  • Detail-oriented and accurate
  • Receptive to direction and feedback
  • Good communicator with team members
  • Organized with file and drawing management
  • Motivated toward professional growth

Education & Certifications

Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology or Electrical Engineering

Certifications:

EIT a plus; NCCER Electrical or NICET certification beneficial

Preferred Qualifications

  • +Experience in commercial or healthcare electrical projects
  • +AGI32 or Dialux lighting design software experience
  • +Familiarity with fire alarm and low-voltage systems

Electrical Designer Market Outlook

Path to Electrical Engineer

Electrical Designers advance to full engineer roles upon obtaining EIT and PE licensure.

Typical Career Progression:

1
Electrical Engineer EIT
2
Project Engineer
3
Electrical Engineer PE
4
Senior Electrical Engineer

Electrical Designer Salary Ranges (2025)

$58,000 - $88,000

Entry Level: $48,000 - $62,000

Mid Level: $62,000 - $85,000

Senior Level: $85,000 - $108,000

Salaries vary by experience, location, company size, and specialization.

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