Are EE PhDs in high demand for industry and government jobs?

[Chunkysalsa]

So I've been thinking more and more of going on to grad school for EE after I graduate and I would like to know more about the job market for phd grads.

Although its probably way to early to say this but I don't think I'm too interested in academia so I'm talking about industry or governmental work.

How hard is it to find jobs with the Phd compared to B.S/M.S levels. I realize that phd work is a completely different animal but are there plenty of options for a new grad?

Also how is the money compared to the other education levels. I realize that its stupid to go for a phd just for money but we do live in the real world. I know I can survive easily on whatever pay but I'd love to have a great comfortable living where I can support not just me but my family as well. (My dad's already trying to claim pieces of my future salary lol)

Thanks for any input. I realize that the answers vary by specialty and I apologize for not being able to provide specifics (still haven't even decided on what to do). Generalizations or minor details on large subsets of EE would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MATLABdude]

Once upon a time (years and years ago) a naive newly-graduated (Canadian) graduate student wandered into what would be his eventual (Canadian) supervisor's office and shot the breeze for an hour or two.

The sentiment (echoed by another prospective supervisor) was that an M.Sc. demonstrated an ability to learn things, and to start off projects. A Ph.D. demonstrated much more in-depth and specialized knowledge (in whatever sub-sub discipline they chose to specialize in):
http://matt.might.net/articles/phd-school-in-pictures/

Having entered EE grad school, and having seen a fair number of my friends graduate, a number of EE Ph.D.s will go into industry, as somewhat older EITs (Engineers in Training) doing more generic electrical engineering-type stuff, some will continue on doing industrial research, some will continue on in academia, and a few will continue on in academia doing work related to their Ph.D.

I wish I could comment more on the industry side of things (which is what your post seems to be more interested in), but I regret that I don't have a whole lot of data on that side of things. Monetary-wise, the duration of a Ph.D. (assuming you go on into industry) probably means that the opportunity cost exceeds the extra earning potential afforded by being called Doctor (Ph.D. ECE) so-and-so.

Nevertheless, YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary). In my own experience, some Ph.D. EEs in my department are basically physicists, some medical-science types, and some highly-trained engineers. Basically, it's up to you to sell.

If you're an American, engineering (for the moment) remains one of those degrees/professions that (assuming you're not totally incompetent and/or lazy) puts you in the upper-middle class. However, it's up to you to make the most of your degree (whether this is monetarily, scientifically, or whatever it is that turns your crank / gets you up in the morning).

Trends come and go; the only advice I can probably offer is to be flexible, to make sure you're capable of learning (this usually goes with the territory in a Ph.D.) and to have good people and communications skills.

In case I was too subtle, remember: YMMV, and my advice mostly applies in Canada! Hopefully, some other people weigh in with more pertinent / first-hand advice because the Rye and Coke Zeros are probably having an impact on what I write!

EDIT: The implication of the more specialized knowledge conferred in a Ph.D. being that it'd be somewhat harder to hire for. This was especially due to the pay bump (fair or not) that was conferred due to higher educational accomplishments, and seniority.

 

[Chunkysalsa]

Thank you for all that. I just wished I knew what sub discipline I wanted to go into. Maybe after a year I'll have a better idea but next summer is when I really need to make a decision (Do research over the summer or get an internship).