Electrical and electronics installers and repairers held about 124,100 jobs in 2018. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up electrical and electronics installers and repairers was distributed as follows:
| Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment | 61,300 |
| Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay | 23,100 |
| Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers | 17,200 |
| Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment | 11,500 |
| Electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles | 11,000 |
The largest employers of electrical and electronics installers and repairers were as follows:
| Manufacturing | 19% |
| Utilities | 13 |
| Wholesale trade | 12 |
| Repair and maintenance | 10 |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 8 |
Many electrical and electronics installers and repairers work in repair shops or in factories, and some may work outside when they travel to job sites.
Installers and repairers may have to lift heavy equipment and work in awkward positions. They spend most of their day walking, standing, or kneeling.
Work Schedules
The majority of electrical and electronics installers and repairers work full time.
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers need at least a high school education, but most specializations require further preparation through advanced education, work experience, or both.
Education
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers must understand electrical equipment and electronics. As a result, employers often prefer applicants who have taken courses in electronics at a community college or technical school. Courses usually cover AC and DC electronics, electronic devices, and microcontrollers. It is important for prospects to choose schools that include hands-on training in order to gain practical experience.
Training
In addition to technical education, workers usually receive training on specific types of equipment. This may involve manufacturer-specific training for repairers who will perform warranty work.
Before working independently, entry-level repairers usually develop their skills while working with experienced technicians who provide technical guidance.
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
Some electrical and electronics installers and repairers need prior work experience. Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers typically begin by helping in machine or electrical workshops, where they gain experience with tools and motors.
Powerhouse, substation, and relay electrical and electronics repairers often gain experience by first working as electricians.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
While certification is not required, a number of organizations offer it, and it can be useful in getting a job. For example, the Electronics Technicians Association International (ETA International) offers more than 50 certification programs in numerous electronics specialties for various levels of competency. The International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET) also offers certification for several levels of competence. The ISCET focuses on a broad range of topics, including basic electronics, electronic systems, and appliance service. To become certified, applicants must meet prerequisites and pass a comprehensive exam.
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers typically have an interest in the Building, Thinking and Organizing interest areas, according to the Holland Code framework. The Building interest area indicates a focus on working with tools and machines, and making or fixing practical things. The Thinking interest area indicates a focus on researching, investigating, and increasing the understanding of natural laws. The Organizing interest area indicates a focus on working with information and processes to keep things arranged in orderly systems.
If you are not sure whether you have a Building or Thinking or Organizing interest which might fit with a career as an electrical and electronics installer and repairer, you can take a career test to measure your interests.
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers should also possess the following specific qualities:
Color vision. Workers need to identify the color-coded components that are often used in electronic equipment.
Communication skills. Field technicians work closely with customers, so they must listen to and understand customers’ problems and explain solutions in a simple, clear manner.
Technical skills. Workers use a variety of mechanical and diagnostic tools to install or repair equipment.
Troubleshooting skills. Electrical equipment and systems often involve intricate parts. Workers must be able to identify malfunctions and make the necessary repairs.
The median annual wage for electrical and electronics installers and repairers was $59,080 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $33,730, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $93,650.
Median annual wages for electrical and electronics installers and repairers in May 2019 were as follows:
| Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay | $82,780 |
| Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment | 62,530 |
| Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment | 59,300 |
| Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers | 44,070 |
| Electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles | 37,380 |
In May 2019, the median annual wages for electrical and electronics installers and repairers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Utilities | $85,170 |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 61,990 |
| Manufacturing | 59,820 |
| Wholesale trade | 48,420 |
| Repair and maintenance | 46,760 |
The majority of electrical and electronics installers and repairers work full time.
Overall employment of electrical and electronics installers and repairers is projected to show little or no change from 2018 to 2028.
Employment of electric motor, power tool, and related repairers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2018 to 2028, slower than the average for all occupations. Improvements in electrical and electronic equipment design, as well as the increased use of disposable tool parts, are expected to moderate employment growth.
Employment of motor vehicle electronic equipment installers and repairers, which represents less than 10 percent of this profile’s employment, is projected to decline 29 percent from 2018 to 2028. Motor vehicle manufacturers continue to install more and higher quality sound, security, entertainment, and navigation systems in new vehicles. These new electronic systems require less maintenance and will limit installation of aftermarket products.
Job Prospects
Overall job opportunities should be good for qualified workers who are familiar with electronics, especially those with an associate’s degree in electronics.
The best job opportunities should be for commercial and industrial equipment installers and repairers, as the need to replace those who leave the occupation permanently should result in some openings for these workers. Conversely, few opportunities will be available for motor vehicle equipment installers and repairers as the amount of aftermarket installations continues to decline.
For more information about electrical and electronics installers and repairers, including careers and certification, visit
Electronics Technicians Association International
International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians