Electrical or Electronics Installer and Repairer

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

Duties

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers typically do the following:

Discuss problems and requirements with customers
Inspect and test equipment
Reproduce, isolate, and diagnose problems
Disassemble equipment as necessary to access problematic components
Clean, repair, and replace components
Reassemble and test equipment after repairs
Keep records of repairs, tests, parts, and labor hours

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Work Environment

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

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers held about 113,300 jobs in 2022. 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	53,600
Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay	26,100
Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers	16,100
Electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles	9,700
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment	7,900

The largest employers of electrical and electronics installers and repairers were as follows:

Manufacturing	16%
Utilities	15
Wholesale trade	10
Repair and maintenance	9
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.

Getting Started

How to Become an Electrical or Electronics Installer and Repairer

Many technical colleges have basic electronics programs that include practical experience labs.

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.

Job Outlook

Overall employment of electrical and electronics installers and repairers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2022 to 2032.

Despite declining employment, about 9,100 openings for electrical and electronics installers and repairers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Projected employment of electrical and electronics installers and repairers varies by occupation (see table).

Over the projections decade, improvements in electrical and electronics equipment design and increased use of disposable tool parts are expected to dampen the need for electrical and electronics equipment installers and repairers.

Upgrades to transportation electronics systems, such as those on trains, buses, and ships, will support some demand for installers and repairers of this equipment.

Motor vehicle manufacturers continue to install and integrate high-quality sound, security, entertainment, and navigation systems in new vehicles. In addition, smartphones offer many features previously installed directly in vehicles. These consumer offerings reduce demand for installing aftermarket products and for repairing high-quality systems, which is expected to limit the need for electrical and electronics installers and repairers.

Contacts for More Information

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

Similar Occupations

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	Median Annual Pay, May 2022
Electricians	Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems.	High school diploma or equivalent	$60,240
Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians	Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft.	See How to Become One	$70,740
Telecommunications Technicians	Telecommunications technicians install, maintain, and repair radio, internet, and other telecommunications infrastructure.	See How to Become One	$60,190
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers	Elevator and escalator installers and repairers install, maintain, and fix elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts.	High school diploma or equivalent	$99,000
General Maintenance and Repair Workers	General maintenance and repair workers fix and maintain machines, mechanical equipment, and buildings.	High school diploma or equivalent	$44,980
Electrical and Electronics Engineers	Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment.	Bachelor's degree	$104,610
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians	Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians help engineers design and develop equipment that is powered by electricity or electric current.	Associate's degree	$66,390
Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights	Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights install, maintain, and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery.	High school diploma or equivalent	$59,470