Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become an Electrical or Electronics Installer and Repairer Some community colleges and technical schools have basic electronics programs that include practical experience labs. Electrical and electronics installers and repairers typically need at least a high school
Education
, but most specializations require further preparation through a combination of advanced education, on-the-job
Training
, or work experience. Education Electrical and electronics installers and repairers must understand electrical equipment and electronics. As a result, employers may prefer applicants who have taken courses in electronics at a community college or technical school. Courses usually cover AC and DC electronics, electronic devices, and microcontrollers. Programs that include hands-on training offer an opportunity to gain practical experience. Training Once hired, electrical and electronics installers and repairers typically receive on-the-job training. Training usually involves a combination of formal instruction and hands-on work shadowing an experienced technician. Training length and topics vary by position and employer. Work Experience in a Related Occupation Some electrical and electronics installers and repairers need prior work experience. Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers may gain experience with tools and motors by working in machine or electrical workshops. Powerhouse, substation, and relay electrical and electronics repairers may gain experience by first working as electricians.
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
Although not required for the job, certifications may demonstrate specific knowledge or professional expertise. Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop.
Your Next Step
Explore shorter-term education and training pathways that may prepare you for this type of work.
Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Overall employment of electrical and electronics installers and repairers is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035. Despite limited employment growth, about 8,900 openings for electrical and electronics installers and repairers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment Projected employment of electrical and electronics installers and repairers varies by occupation (see table). Over the projections decade, improvements in electrical and electronics equipment design and increased use of disposable tool parts are projected to limit the need for electrical and electronics installers and repairers. Upgrades to transportation electronics systems, such as those on trains, buses, and ships, are likely to support demand for installers and repairers of this equipment. The automation and digital transformation of industrial control systems is expected to reduce the need for hard-wired electronics, which may limit the need for electrical and electronics repairers of commercial and industrial equipment. Increased strain on the electrical power grid is expected to increase demand for repairs and maintenance performed by powerhouse, substation, and relay electrical and electronics repairers. Smartphones offer many features previously installed directly in vehicles. These consumer offerings reduce demand for installing aftermarket products and for repairing high-quality systems, which is expected to limit the need for electrical and electronics installers and repairers who work on motor vehicles. Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Total, all occupations 3% Electrical and electronics installers and repairers 2% Electrical and electronic equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers 1% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers Do
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers install, adjust, or maintain or repair a variety of electrical and electronic equipment.
Duties
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers typically do the following:
- Discuss problems and requirements with customers
- Inspect and test equipment
- Reproduce, isolate, and diagnose problems
- Disassemble equipment as necessary to access problematic components
- Clean, repair, and replace components
- Reassemble and test equipment after repairs
- Keep records of repairs, tests, parts, and labor hours
Modern manufacturing plants and transportation systems use a large amount of electrical and electronic equipment, from assembly line motors to sonar systems. Electrical and electronics installers and repairers fix and maintain these complex pieces of equipment.
Repairers use software programs and testing equipment to diagnose malfunctions. Among their diagnostic tools are multimeters—which measure voltage, current, and resistance—and advanced multimeters, which measure the capacitance, inductance, and current gain of transistors.
Repairers also use signal generators, which provide test signals, and oscilloscopes, which display signals graphically. In addition, repairers often use tools such as pliers, screwdrivers, and wrenches to replace faulty parts and adjust equipment.
The following are examples of types of electrical and electronics installers and repairers:
Commercial and industrial electrical and electronics equipment repairers adjust, test, repair, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.
Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers—such as armature winders, generator mechanics, and electric golf cart repairers—specialize in installing, maintaining, and repairing electric motors, wiring, or switches.
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers of transportation equipment install, adjust, or maintain mobile communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other vehicles.
Electronic equipment installers and repairers of motor vehicles install, diagnose, and repair sound, security, and navigation equipment in motor vehicles. They work with a range of complex electronic equipment, including audio and video players, navigation systems, and security systems.
Powerhouse, substation, and relay electrical and electronics repairers maintain and repair electrical equipment used in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays. These workers also may be known as powerhouse electricians, relay technicians, or power transformer repairers.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers held about 117,700 jobs in 2025. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up electrical and electronics installers and repairers was distributed as follows:
| Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment | 65,500 |
| Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay | 20,900 |
| Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers | 16,100 |
| Electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles | 8,600 |
| Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment | 6,600 |
The largest employers of electrical and electronics installers and repairers were as follows:
| Manufacturing | 17% |
| Utilities | 13 |
| Wholesale trade | 11 |
| Repair and maintenance | 10 |
| State and local government, excluding education and hospitals | 8 |
Many electrical and electronics installers and repairers work in repair shops or in factories. Some work outside in all types of weather conditions. Travel to job sites may be required.
Installers and repairers may have to lift heavy equipment and work in awkward positions. They spend most of their day walking, standing, or kneeling.
Work Schedules
Most electrical and electronics installers and repairers work full time. Some may need to be on call during evenings or weekends for emergency repairs.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Color vision. Electrical and electronics installers and repairers must be able to identify the color-coded components that are often used in electronic equipment. Communication skills. Electrical and electronics installers and repairers work closely with customers, so they must listen to and understand customers’ descriptions of problems and explain solutions in a simple, clear manner. Detail oriented. Electrical and electronics installers and repairers must adjust and maintain electrical and electronic equipment to exact specifications and must pay close attention to detail when installing electrical and electronic systems. Physical stamina. Electrical and electronics installers and repairers must be able to stand for long periods of time and may need to frequently bend or perform other repetitive motions. Physical strength. Electrical and electronics installers and repairers may need to lift heavy parts during the repair process. Some components weigh over 50 pounds. Mechanical skills. Electrical and electronics installers and repairers must be familiar with the equipment they work on and with the tools they need to install or fix those devices. They must also be able to understand manufacturers’ instructions when installing or repairing equipment. Troubleshooting skills. Electrical and electronics installers and repairers must be able to identify problems with equipment and systems and make the necessary repairs.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about electrical and electronics installers and repairers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.