Transportation Electrical Installers and Repairers: Schools and Careers

Transportation Electrical Installers And Repairers - Career Information

Transportation Electrical Installers

Transportation electrical installers perform tasks such as installing, adjusting and maintaining mobile electronic communication equipment including sonar, sound, navigation and surveillance equipment utilized in vehicles, watercraft and trains.

Some sample job titles include marine electrician, critical systems technician, electronic bench technician, radio technician and locomotive electrician.

Responsibilities

• Show customers how the equipment is used
• Reassemble and test equipment after repairs are done
• Inspect and test electrical equipment and systems to find and diagnose malfunctions
• Install electrical cables, power sources and new fuses when required
• Install frameworks and conduit to support and connect wiring, control panels and junction boxes
• Test newly installed equipment

Job Characteristics

Transportation electrical installers may have to lift heavy equipment. They typically work indoors in well-lighted and well-ventilated repair shops. They should be detailed oriented, have good color perception and eyesight.

Employment Outlook

The employment growth rate for electrical and electronics installers and repairers of transportation equipment is projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to grow by 4 percent which is slower than average for all occupations.

In 2006 the median hourly wage for electrical and electronics installers and repairers of transportation equipment was $20.72. The highest paid 10 percent earned over $28.78 per hour.

Candidates with certification, an associate degree in electronics and related experience will have the best job opportunities. Those with certification may receive additional responsibilities and higher pay. Those with leadership abilities may become supervisors. In 2006 there were an estimated 21,000 people employed in electrical and electronics installers and repairers of transportation equipment jobs.

Education, Certification, and Licensing

Employers often prefer applicants with an associate degree in electronics and professional certification is often necessary. Various professional and educational organizations provide certification. Typically candidates must pass an exam demonstrating their level of expertise.

Resources

• IEEE
• Electrical Apparatus Service Association, Inc.

Major Employers

Some of the top employers are shipyards, the maritime industry, electrical and electronic equipment installation services companies, rapid transit systems and railroads.

Schools for Transportation Electrical Installers And Repairers are listed in the column to the left.

The Top Cities tab shows employment statistics for Transportation Electrical Installers And Repairers by major metro area.

The Top Industries tab shows which industries have the most jobs for Transportation Electrical 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.