Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers

Summary

electrical and electronics installers and repairers image
Repairers use special testing equipment to determine problems.
Quick Facts: Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers
2016 Median Pay $55,920 per year
$26.89 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education Postsecondary nondegree award
Work Experience in a Related Occupation None
On-the-job Training See How to Become One
Number of Jobs, 2014 136,100
Job Outlook, 2014-24 -4% (Decline)
Employment Change, 2014-24 -5,400

What Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers Do

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers install or repair a variety of electrical equipment in telecommunications, transportation, utilities, and other industries.

Work Environment

Many electrical and electronics installers and repairers work in factories, which can be noisy and sometimes warm. Installers and repairers may have to lift heavy equipment and work in awkward positions. The vast majority work full time.

How to Become an Electrical or Electronics Installer and Repairer

Most electrical and electronics installers and repairers need specialized courses at a technical college prior to employment. Gaining voluntary certification is common and can be useful in getting a job.

Pay

The median annual wage for electrical and electronics installers and repairers was $55,920 in May 2016.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of electrical and electronics installers and repairers is projected to decline 4 percent from 2014 to 2024. However, growth rates will vary by specialty. Job opportunities should be excellent for qualified workers with an associate’s degree in electronics along with certification.

State & Area Data

Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for electrical and electronics installers and repairers.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of electrical and electronics installers and repairers with similar occupations.

More Information, Including Links to O*NET

Learn more about electrical and electronics installers and repairers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

What Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers Do About this section

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers
Diagnostic equipment is used to troubleshoot electric motors.

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers install or repair a variety of electrical equipment in telecommunications, transportation, utilities, and other industries.

Duties

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers typically do the following:

  • Prepare cost estimates for clients
  • Refer to service guides, schematics, and manufacturer specifications
  • Repair or replace defective parts, such as motors, fuses, or gaskets
  • Reassemble and test equipment after repairs
  • Maintain records of parts used, labor time, and final charges

Modern manufacturing plants and transportation systems use a large amount of electrical and electronics equipment, from assembly line motors to sonar systems. Electrical and electronics installers and repairers fix and maintain these complex pieces of equipment.

Because automated electronic control systems are becoming more complex, repairers use software programs and testing equipment to diagnose malfunctions. Among their diagnostic tools are multimeters—which measure voltage, current, and resistance—and advanced multimeters, which measure the capacitance, inductance, and current gain of transistors.

Repairers also use signal generators, which provide test signals, and oscilloscopes, which display signals graphically. In addition, repairers often use hand tools such as pliers, screwdrivers, and wrenches to replace faulty parts and adjust equipment.

The following are examples of types of electrical and electronics installers and repairers:

Commercial and industrial electrical and electronics equipment repairers adjust, test, repair, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers of transportation equipment install, adjust, or maintain mobile communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other vehicles.

Powerhouse, substation, and relay electrical and electronics repairers inspect, test, maintain, or repair electrical equipment used in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays. These workers also may be known as powerhouse electricians, relay technicians, or power transformer repairers.

Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers—such as armature winders, generator mechanics, and electric golf cart repairers—specialize in installing, maintaining, and repairing electric motors, wiring, or switches.

Electronic equipment installers and repairers of motor vehicles install, diagnose, and repair sound, security, and navigation equipment in motor vehicles. These installers and repairers work with a range of complex electronic equipment, including digital audio and video players, navigation systems, and passive and active security systems.

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers may also specialize, according to how and where they work:

Field technicians often travel to factories or a customer’s site to repair broken down equipment. Because repairing components is a complex activity, workers usually remove and replace defective units, such as circuit boards, instead of fixing them. Defective units are discarded or returned to the manufacturer or a specialized shop for repair.

Bench technicians work in repair shops in factories and service centers, fixing components that cannot be repaired on a factory floor. These workers also locate and repair circuit defects, such as poorly soldered joints, blown fuses, or malfunctioning transistors.

Work Environment About this section

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers
Bench technicians usually work in a clean shop.

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers held about 136,100 jobs in 2014.

Employment in the detailed occupations that make up this group in 2014 was distributed as follows: 

Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment  67,800
Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay  22,700
Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers  19,300
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment  14,800
Electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles  11,500

Some electrical and electronics installers and repairers work in factories, which can be noisy and sometimes warm. Bench technicians work primarily in repair shops, which are quiet and well lit. Motor vehicle electronic equipment installers and repairers normally work in repair shops or in electronics stores.

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 vast majority of electrical and electronics installers and repairers work full time.

How to Become an Electrical or Electronics Installer and Repairer About this section

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers
Many technical colleges have basic electronics programs that include practical experience labs.

Most electrical and electronics installers and repairers need specialized courses at a technical college prior to employment. Gaining certification is common and can be useful in getting a job.

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 in order for repairers to perform warranty work.

Entry-level repairers usually begin by working with experienced technicians who provide technical guidance and work independently after developing their skills.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

While certification is not required, a number of organizations offer certification which can be useful in getting a job. A number of organizations offer certification. 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.

Important Qualities

Color vision. Workers must be able 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’ descriptions of problems and explain solutions in a simple, clear manner.

Physical stamina. Some workers must stand at their station for their full shift, which can be tiring.

Physical strength. Workers may need to lift heavy parts during the repair process. Some components weigh over 50 pounds.

Technical skills. Workers use a variety of mechanical and diagnostic tools to install or repair equipment.

Troubleshooting skills. Workers must be able to identify problems with equipment and systems and make the necessary repairs.

Pay About this section

Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers

Median annual wages, May 2016

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers

$55,920

Electrical and electronic equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers

$48,780

Total, all occupations

$37,040

 

Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics

The median annual wage for electrical and electronics installers and repairers was $55,920 in May 2016. 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 $30,810, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $84,990.

Median annual wages for electrical and electronics installers and repairers in May 2016 were as follows:

Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay $75,670
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment 59,280
Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment 56,250
Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers 41,570
Electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles 32,220

The vast majority of electrical and electronics installers and repairers work full time.

Union Membership

Compared with workers in all occupations, electrical and electronics installers and repairers had a higher percentage of workers who belonged to a union in 2014.

Job Outlook About this section

Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers

Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24

Total, all occupations

7%

Electrical and electronic equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers

0%

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers

-4%

 

Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Overall employment of electrical and electronics installers and repairers is projected to decline 4 percent from 2014 to 2024. Growth rates will vary by occupation.

Employment of motor vehicle electronic equipment installers and repairers, which represents less than 10 percent of this profile’s 2014 employment, is projected to decline 50 percent from 2014 to 2024. 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.

Employment of powerhouse, substation, and relay electrical and electronics installers and repairers is projected to decline 5 percent from 2014 to 2024. Although the installation of new, energy-efficient technologies will likely spur demand for some new workers, privatization in the utilities industries should improve productivity and more than offset any employment gains.

Employment of electric motor, power tool, and related repairers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2014 to 2024, slower than the average for all occupations. Improvements in electrical and electronic equipment design, as well as the increased use of disposable tool parts, will result in slow employment growth.

Employment of electrical and electronics installers and repairers of transportation equipment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2014 to 2024, slower than the average for all occupations. Increasing employment in the rail transportation industry—the largest employing segment of these specialists—drives most of the employment growth. 

Employment of electrical and electronics installers and repairers of commercial and industrial equipment, which represents about half of this profile’s 2014 employment, is projected to show little or no change from 2014 to 2024. As competition increases, businesses strive to lower costs by increasing and improving automation. Equipment that needs service and repair would generally increase the demand for electrical workers, but improved reliability of equipment is expected to offset that demand and temper overall employment growth.

Job Prospects

Overall job opportunities should be excellent for qualified workers with technical education—including an associate’s degree in electronics—along with certification.

The best job opportunities should be for commercial and industrial equipment installers and repairers as the need to replace retiring workers should result in many job openings. Conversely, few opportunities will be available for motor vehicle equipment installers and repairers as the amount of aftermarket installations continues to decline.

Employment projections data for electrical and electronics installers and repairers, 2014-24
Occupational Title SOC Code Employment, 2014 Projected Employment, 2024 Change, 2014-24 Employment by Industry
Percent Numeric

SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers

 — 136,100 130,700 -4 -5,400 —

Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers

49-2092 19,300 20,000 4 700 [XLSX]

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment

49-2093 14,800 15,400 4 700 [XLSX]

Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment

49-2094 67,800 67,800 0 100 [XLSX]

Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay

49-2095 22,700 21,700 -5 -1,000 [XLSX]

Electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles

49-2096 11,500 5,800 -50 -5,800 [XLSX]

State & Area Data About this section

Occupational Employment Statistics (OES)

The Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area.

Projections Central

Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved.

Career InfoNet

America’s Career InfoNet includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

Similar Occupations About this section

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of electrical and electronics installers and repairers.

Occupation Job Duties ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION Help 2016 MEDIAN PAY Help
Electricians

Electricians

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories.

 High school diploma or equivalent $52,720
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians

Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians

Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft. They also may perform aircraft inspections as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

 See How to Become One $60,270
Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers

Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers

Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, also known as telecom technicians, set up and maintain devices or equipment that carry communications signals, connect to telephone lines, and access the Internet.

 Postsecondary nondegree award $53,640
Elevator installers and repairers

Elevator Installers and Repairers

Elevator installers and repairers install, fix, and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts.

 High school diploma or equivalent $78,890
General maintenance and repair workers

General Maintenance and Repair Workers

General maintenance and repair workers fix and maintain machines, mechanical equipment, and buildings. They paint, repair flooring, and work on plumbing, electrical, and air-conditioning and heating systems.

 High school diploma or equivalent $36,940
Broadcast and sound engineering technicians

Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians

Broadcast and sound engineering technicians set up, operate, and maintain the electrical equipment for radio programs, television broadcasts, concerts, sound recordings, and movies.

 See How to Become One $42,550
Suggested citation:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers,
on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/electrical-and-electronics-installers-and-repairers.htm (visited September 25, 2017).

Publish Date: Thursday, December 17, 2015

What They Do

The What They Do tab describes the typical duties and responsibilities of workers in the occupation, including what tools and equipment they use and how closely they are supervised. This tab also covers different types of occupational specialties.

Work Environment

The Work Environment tab includes the number of jobs held in the occupation and describes the workplace, the level of physical activity expected, and typical hours worked. It may also discuss the major industries that employed the occupation. This tab may also describe opportunities for part-time work, the amount and type of travel required, any safety equipment that is used, and the risk of injury that workers may face.

How to Become One

The How to Become One tab describes how to prepare for a job in the occupation. This tab can include information on education, training, work experience, licensing and certification, and important qualities that are required or helpful for entering or working in the occupation.

Pay

The Pay tab describes typical earnings and how workers in the occupation are compensated—annual salaries, hourly wages, commissions, tips, or bonuses. Within every occupation, earnings vary by experience, responsibility, performance, tenure, and geographic area. This tab may also provide information on earnings in the major industries employing the occupation.

State & Area Data

The State and Area Data tab provides links to state and area occupational data from the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) program, state projections data from Projections Central, and occupational information from the Department of Labor's CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The Job Outlook tab describes the factors that affect employment growth or decline in the occupation, and in some instances, describes the relationship between the number of job seekers and the number of job openings.

Similar Occupations

The Similar Occupations tab describes occupations that share similar duties, skills, interests, education, or training with the occupation covered in the profile.

Contacts for More Information

The More Information tab provides the Internet addresses of associations, government agencies, unions, and other organizations that can provide additional information on the occupation. This tab also includes links to relevant occupational information from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).

2016 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics survey. In May 2016, the median annual wage for all workers was $37,040.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

Work experience in a related occupation

Work experience that is commonly considered necessary by employers, or is a commonly accepted substitute for more formal types of training or education.

Number of Jobs, 2014

The employment, or size, of this occupation in 2014, which is the base year of the 2014-24 employment projections.

Job Outlook, 2014-24

The projected percent change in employment from 2014 to 2024. The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.

Employment Change, 2014-24

The projected numeric change in employment from 2014 to 2024.

Entry-level Education

Typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation.

On-the-job Training

Additional training needed (postemployment) to attain competency in the skills needed in this occupation.

Employment Change, projected 2014-24

The projected numeric change in employment from 2014 to 2024.

Growth Rate (Projected)

The percent change of employment for each occupation from 2014 to 2024.

Projected Number of New Jobs

The projected numeric change in employment from 2014 to 2024.

Projected Growth Rate

The projected percent change in employment from 2014 to 2024.

2016 Median Pay

The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics survey. In May 2016, the median annual wage for all workers was $37,040.