Motor Vehicle Electronics Installers and Repairers: Schools and Careers

Motor Vehicle Electronics Installers And Repairers - Career Information

Motor Vehicle Electronics Installers

Motor vehicle electronics installers, install, diagnose and repair sound, communications, navigation and security equipment in motor vehicles. A lot of the installation work involves sound systems and new alarm systems. Motor vehicle electronics installers and repairers are dealing with an increasingly complicated range of electronic equipment including items such as satellite navigation equipment, DVD players, active security systems and passive security systems.

Some of the common job titles are car stereo installer, mobile electronics installation specialists, car audio installer, and electronic equipment installer.

Responsibilities

• Splice wires and solder connections to equipment and fixtures
• Construct wooded or fiberglass enclosures for sound components and install them
• Install speaker and electrical cables
• Talk to customers to determine the nature of malfunctions
• Replace electric or electrical components
• Record results of diagnostic tests
• Diagnose or repair problems using electronic equipment

Job Characteristics

Motor vehicle electronics installation personnel typically work in well-lighted and well-ventilated repair shops. They should be detailed oriented, have good color perception and eyesight.

Employment Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected a 5% employment growth rate for motor vehicle electronics installers and repairers from 2006 to 2016 which is slower than average for all occupations. Due to motor vehicle manufacturers installing more and better quality security, navigation, sound and entertainment systems in new vehicles employment growth is limited for after market vehicle electronics equipment installers.

The median hourly earnings for electronic installers and repairers of motor vehicles in 2006 was $13.57 per hour. The highest paid 10 percent earned over $23.45 per hour.

Education, Certification, and Licensing

Depending on the complexity involved some employers may prefer applicants that have gained knowledge and skills from educational programs offered at community colleges and vocational schools in electronics or a related subject that take one to two years to complete. A professional certification may be helpful for getting a job. Various professional and educational organizations provide certification. Typically, candidates must pass an exam demonstrating their level of expertise.

Resources

• Electronics Technicians Association International
• International Society of Electronics Technicians

Major Employers

The major job providing industries are motor vehicle and parts dealers, car stereo equipment sales and services firms and car alarm equipment sales and services firms.

Schools for Motor Vehicle Electronics Installers And Repairers are listed in the column to the left.

The Top Cities tab shows employment statistics for Motor Vehicle Electronics Installers And Repairers by major metro area.

The Top Industries tab shows which industries have the most jobs for Motor Vehicle Electronics Installers And Repairers, along with salary data by industry.

The Find Schools tab lets you search for schools by field of study, degree level, and location.