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Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.
Other titles employers use
Automotive Technician · Car Audio Installer · Car Electronics Installer · Car Stereo Installer · Electronic Equipment Installer · Electronic Technician · Installation Technician · Installer
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- Install equipment and accessories, such as stereos, navigation equipment, communication equipment, and security systems.
- Inspect and test electrical or electronic systems to locate and diagnose malfunctions, using visual inspections and testing instruments, such as oscilloscopes and voltmeters.
- Cut openings and drill holes for fixtures and equipment, using electric drills and routers.
- Splice wires with knives or cutting pliers, and solder connections to fixtures and equipment.
- Diagnose or repair problems with electronic equipment, such as sound, navigation, communication, and security equipment, in motor vehicles.
- Run new speaker and electrical cables.
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
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Critical Thinking
- Operations Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Installation
Subjects to know
- Mechanical
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- English Language
Useful strengths
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Finger Dexterity
- Near Vision
- Visual Color Discrimination
- Problem Sensitivity
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 | 3.3 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 4.1 | Standing or moving for most of it |
| Talking face to face | 4.3 | A regular part of the day |
| Working with your hands | 4.6 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a high school diploma. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A certificate or some college 49%
- High school or less 47%
- A two-year degree 4%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Presentation software
- Word processing software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Internet browser software
- Computer aided design CAD 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
- 1,300
- Job openings each year
- 100
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- −13.3%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1,300 | 100 | −13.3% |
| Indiana | 760 | 70 | 4.1% |
| Texas | 650 | 50 | −7.1% |
| Arizona | 610 | 50 | −7.6% |
| Tennessee | 540 | 50 | 14.9% |
| Florida | 500 | 40 | −5.7% |
| Missouri | 390 | 30 | −20.4% |
| Washington | 350 | 30 | 9.4% |
| New Jersey | 330 | 20 | −21.4% |
| Minnesota | 270 | 20 | −12.9% |
| Illinois | 240 | 20 | −22.6% |
| Oregon | 210 | 20 | −8.7% |
| Michigan | 200 | 10 | −35.5% |
| Ohio | 190 | 10 | −20.8% |
| Iowa | 120 | 10 | −14.3% |
| Virginia | 120 | 10 | −25.0% |
| Wisconsin | 100 | 10 | −16.7% |
| North Carolina | 90 | 10 | −18.2% |
| Puerto Rico | 80 | 10 | — |
| Kentucky | 70 | 10 | −12.5% |
| North Dakota | 70 | 10 | −22.2% |
| Oklahoma | 70 | 10 | — |
| Delaware | 60 | 0 | −14.3% |
| Montana | 60 | 0 | −14.3% |
| West Virginia | 60 | 10 | — |
| Nevada | 50 | 0 | — |
| Alaska | 40 | 0 | — |
| Arkansas | 40 | 0 | 33.3% |
| Nebraska | 40 | 0 | −20.0% |
| Idaho | 30 | 0 | 50.0% |
| Alabama | 20 | 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