We have electrical engineers to thank for getting electricity from a power plant to our homes. They are involved in creating anything that uses electricity, using mathematics and scientific expertise in production, transmission, and distribution.

Electrical Engineers work on everything from cell phones to enormous power generators, and some also supervise the manufacture of goods. They design the most efficient and cost-effective methods for large scale production and manufacturing and work in teams to build and re-design new machines, such as motors, exhausts systems or robots.

They may specialize in a number of areas including electrical design for residential, commercial or industrial installations, electrical power generation and transmission, or instrumentation and control systems.

Workplace: Some electrical engineers are hired by utility companies to improve the efficiency of their electrical transmission systems, or to monitor and repair the equipment at a power plant. Others work for manufacturing companies, developing products such as fuel cells to power cars or air conditioners that require less electricity to run.

Useful high school subjects: Algebra & Geometry, Calculus, Physics, Computers, Electronics & Communications Technology, Drafting & Design

Post-secondary education: A bachelor's degree in electrical or electronics engineering is required. A master's or doctoral degree in a related engineering discipline may be required. Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers (which requires work experience and passing an exam) is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practice as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).

Salary: Although national figures are not available for average earnings in this career, provincial averages range from about $65,000 to $85,000 a year. Starting salaries are usually between $40,000 and $60,000 a year. Electrical engineers with many years of experience often can make over $90,000 a year. Highly trained specialists and senior-level managers can earn well over $100,000 a year.