Electrical Engineers Still Face High Unemployment Rate

Jan. 1, 2004
The unemployment rate reached an all-time high of 7% for electrical and electronic engineers in the first quarter of 2003, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. During the third quarter, the unemployment rate decreased slightly to 6.7%, which is still six times as high as the 1997 rate. John Steadman, IEEE-USA president-elect, attributes the high unemployment levels to the offshoring of high-tech

The unemployment rate reached an all-time high of 7% for electrical and electronic engineers in the first quarter of 2003, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. During the third quarter, the unemployment rate decreased slightly to 6.7%, which is still six times as high as the 1997 rate. John Steadman, IEEE-USA president-elect, attributes the high unemployment levels to the offshoring of high-tech jobs and the increase in work visas issued to non-U.S. workers. According to the IEEE, the government has issued more than 900,000 H-1B visas in new, renewal, and exempt categories since 2000, and many of these visas are for high-tech jobs.

For the latest statistics,

click here

.

About the Author

EC&M Staff

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.