Installation And Repair - Career Information
Installation and Repair Career Overview
The field of installation involves the placing and fitting into position of equipment, products, or systems, and then connecting and modifying it to bring it into service for proper use. Repairing is the act of fixing a product, equipment, or system to restore it to proper working order so it can perform its required function effectively.
Although there are many fields of installation and repair most professions will fall into these two main categories:
1) Technology:
- Medical equipment used to diagnose illness and disease
- Office equipment including computers, fax machines, photocopy machines, and scanners
- Coin/vending and automated teller machines used to conduct business transactions
- Electronics including telephone and communication equipment, and home entertainment systems
- Surveillance equipment used to maintain safety and security
- Radar and missile control systems used for national defense and to direct commercial air traffic
- Mobile electronic communication equipment including sound, security, and navigation systems
2) Consumer & Household (non-technology)
- Heating/Air Conditioning
- Automotive
- Utilities
- Home appliances
- Carpet/Flooring
An individual who practices this profession must be able to identify and understand the specifications and components of the equipment or product they are installing & repairing in order to produce a successful outcome. In addition, someone choosing this career should also possess the following traits or attributes:
- Effective communication and customer service skills
- Aptitude for fast diagnosis of problems
- Attention to detail
- Passion for complex and rapidly changing technology systems
- Cognitive skills
- Physical ability to lift heavy equipment, work in awkward positions
- Desire to work with your hands
- Concern for personal safety
- Ability to work independently
- Flexibility of work schedule to accommodate customer demands
Installation and repair careers fall into a number of industries. The following list includes some of the most popular careers in this field today:
- Automotive Body and Glass Repairers
- Electricians
- Home Appliance Repairers
- Home Entertainment Equipment Installers and Repairers
- HVAC Mechanics and Installers
- Industrial Electrical Repairers
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers
- Medical Equipment Repairers
- Motor Vehicle Electronics Installers and Repairers
- Computer, ATM, and Office Machine Repairers
- Power Line Installers and Repairers
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers
- Transportation Electrical Installers and Repairers
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers
- Elevator Installers and Repairers
- General Maintenance and Repair Workers
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
- Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some of the careers in installation and repair will see growth in employment over the next decade, while others will shrink due to various factors. In some cases, the BLS notes that improvements in technology and in equipment design will lead to fewer jobs. On the other hand, up and coming technologies could lead to additional job openings or specialties in many of these careers.
Top Careers in Installation and Repair (BLS, 2013)
| Career | Number of Workers Nationally in 2013 | Job Description | Degree Requirements |
| Automotive Body and Glass Repairers | 15,910 | These workers inspect automobiles for damage and prepare estimates for comprehensive repair work. They remove damaged auto body parts and glass and repair them, or replace them altogether. | According to the BLS, most automotive body and glass repairers complete a certificate program or earn an Associate's degree in Collision Repair. |
| Medical Equipment Repairers | 40,090 | Medical equipment repairers perform repairs and preventative maintenance on medical equipment and other devices. They repair and replace parts, keep maintenance records, and make plans to replace medical equipment when needed. | The BLS reports that most employers in this field prefer to hire workers with an Associate's degree in Biomedical Technology or Engineering. |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 251,700 | These workers install, inspect, and repair a wide range of equipment relating to heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. They clean and perform system maintenance, replace parts, and analyze a system's energy use. | Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers most often complete a certificate or Associate's degree program and complete an apprenticeship. |
| Power Line Installers and Repairers | 231,400 | Power line installers perform a wide range of tasks that ensure power line safety. They take down and replace dysfunctional power lines, perform routine maintenance, and inspect and test lines to ensure they are working correctly and safely. | The BLS reports that most power line installers and repairers learn their skills on the job. However, an increasing number of these workers are learning the trade through certificate programs at trade or technical schools. |
| Motor Vehicle Electronics Installers and Repairers | 11,900 | These workers provide diagnostic and repair services for sound, security, and navigation systems that vehicles rely on. They troubleshoot problems, repair and replace parts, and perform routine maintenance. | Most motor vehicle electronics installers and repairers learn their skills on the job. However, many workers in this field also choose to earn a certificate in this field in order to improve their job prospects. |
Installation and Repair Education and Training (BLS, 2013)
Although many installation and repair skills can be learned on the job, a growing number of students are choosing to attend trade and technical schools before entering the workforce. The following table outlines the different degree and certificate options in this field and what kind of career they may help you qualify for:
| Degree Type | Timeline for Completion | Possible Careers |
| Certificate | Certificate programs can often be completed in less than one year, although some programs take longer. | Electrician, Automotive Body and Glass Repairers, Home Appliance Repairers, Home Entertainment Equipment Installers and Repairers, HVAC Mechanics and Installers, Industrial Electrical Repairers, Locksmiths and Safe Repairers, Motor Vehicle Electronics Installers and Repairers, Computer, ATM, and Office Machine Repairers, Power Line Installers and Repairers, Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers, Transportation Electrical Installers and Repairers, Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Elevator Installers and Repairers, General Maintenance and Repair Workers, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians |
| Associate | Associate degrees can typically be completed with two years of full-time study. | Automotive Body and Glass Repairers, Home Appliance Repairers, HVAC Mechanics and Installers, Industrial Electrical Repairers, Medical Equipment Repairers, Motor Vehicle Electronics Installers and Repairers, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians, Solar Photovoltaic Installers |
Sources:
"Bureau of Labor Statistics," May 2013 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm#35-0000
"Bureau of Labor Statistics," Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition," Automotive Body and Glass Repairers, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-body-and-glass-repairers.htm#tab-1
"Bureau of Labor Statistics," Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition," Medical Equipment Repairers, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/medical-equipment-repairers.htm#tab-1
"Bureau of Labor Statistics," Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition," Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm
"Bureau of Labor Statistics," Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition," Line Installers and Repairers, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/line-installers-and-repairers.htm#tab-1
"Bureau of Labor Statistics," Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition," Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/electrical-and-electronics-installers-and-repairers.htm
Schools for Installation And Repair are listed in the column to the left.
Careers and Salary Data
This table shows summary data on occupations in the US. Clicking on any occupation name brings you to a page showing job prospects and salaries for that occupation in hundreds of metro areas across the country, with data updated through 2022.(Where data is denoted by an asterisk (*), summary info was not available.
Click each Occupation title for more details.
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
Selected Schools for Installation And Repair (including any online schools)
Click the Visit School Site buttons to go directly to a school's website and learn more about the school and programs it has to offer. School website will open in a new tab.Data Sources and Career Resources
