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Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.
Other titles employers use
Critical Systems Technician · Electronic Bench Technician · Electronics Mechanic · Locomotive Electrician · Power Technician (Power Tech) · Ship Yard Electrical Person · Marine Electronics Repairer · Marine Electronics Technician
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- Inspect and test electrical systems and equipment to locate and diagnose malfunctions, using visual inspections, testing devices, and computer software.
- Reassemble and test equipment after repairs.
- Adjust, repair, or replace defective wiring and relays in ignition, lighting, air-conditioning, and safety control systems, using electrician's tools.
- Splice wires with knives or cutting pliers, and solder connections to fixtures, outlets, and equipment.
- Locate and remove or repair circuit defects such as blown fuses or malfunctioning transistors.
- Maintain equipment service records.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical, organizing and analytical work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Operations Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
Subjects to know
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Public Safety and Security
- Mechanical
Useful strengths
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Near Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
- Manual Dexterity
- Finger Dexterity
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.1 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 4.0 | Up and down through the day |
| Talking face to face | 4.5 | A regular part of the day |
| Working with your hands | 4.8 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a postsecondary certificate. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A certificate or some college 48%
- High school or less 28%
- A master's degree 14%
- A two-year degree 10%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Graphics or photo imaging software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Spreadsheet software
- Electronic mail software
- Document management software
- Desktop publishing software
- Operating system software
- Office suite software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 1,110
- Job openings each year
- 10
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 6.7%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 1,110 | 10 | 6.7% |
| Maryland | 750 | 70 | 15.4% |
| Texas | 750 | 70 | 13.6% |
| Virginia | 740 | 70 | 8.8% |
| Nebraska | 530 | 50 | 8.2% |
| New Jersey | 420 | 40 | 7.7% |
| Washington | 380 | 30 | — |
| Georgia | 310 | 30 | 14.8% |
| Florida | 300 | 30 | 11.1% |
| Tennessee | 270 | 30 | 35.0% |
| Indiana | 230 | 20 | 4.5% |
| Arizona | 180 | 20 | — |
| Missouri | 150 | 10 | — |
| Kansas | 140 | 10 | 7.7% |
| Louisiana | 140 | 10 | 7.7% |
| Ohio | 140 | 10 | 7.7% |
| Maine | 120 | 10 | −7.7% |
| North Carolina | 110 | 10 | 10.0% |
| Alabama | 80 | 10 | — |
| Iowa | 80 | 10 | 14.3% |
| Nevada | 60 | 10 | 20.0% |
| New Mexico | 60 | 10 | 20.0% |
| Idaho | 40 | 0 | — |
| Kentucky | 30 | 0 | −25.0% |
| New Hampshire | 30 | 0 | — |
| Wisconsin | 30 | 0 | — |
| Wyoming | 30 | 0 | 50.0% |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
Compare every college offering vehicle maintenance and repair technologies/technicians