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Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

Transportation, Distribution and LogisticsO*NET 49-2096.00United States

Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.

COMING SOON See related ASU learning
Median annual earnings
$48,422

50th percentile, United States

Projected change
−11%

2025 to 2035

Typical education
Certificate

47.4% of the workforce

Employment
9.79K jobs

Growing to 8.71K by 2035

Explore this career by location

Compare nationwide estimates with state or county job-market data.

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Build the skills

ASU learning related to this career

These courses and certificates are connected through catalog career relationships and Lightcast skill tags.

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The work

What electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles do

Tasks reported for this occupation, ordered by how often they come up in the role.

  • 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.
  • Confer with customers to determine the nature of malfunctions.
  • Run new speaker and electrical cables.
  • Remove seats, carpeting, and interiors of doors and add sound-absorbing material in empty spaces, reinstalling interior parts.
  • Record results of diagnostic tests.
  • Estimate costs of repairs, based on parts and labor charges.
  • Replace and clean electrical or electronic components.
  • Build fiberglass or wooden enclosures for sound components, and fit them to automobile dimensions.

Pay and outlook

What the job pays and where it is heading

Annual earnings range

Reported earnings by percentile, United States

10th percentile
$35,589
25th percentile
$43,306
50th percentile
$48,422
75th percentile
$58,490
90th percentile
$70,179

The gold marker shows the median. Half earn more than $48,422 and half earn less.

Employment outlook

2025 to 2035 projection

−11%projected to decline
20259,791 jobs
2035 projected8,714 jobs

1,077 fewer positions over the decade, before replacement hiring.

Preparation

Education levels

What people currently working in the career hold. These are not entry requirements.

Certificate
47.4%
High school diploma or less
47.2%
Associate degree
4.3%
Some college
1.1%

Skills

Skills employers ask for

Technical skills appearing most often in job postings for this occupation.

  • Good Driving Record
  • Electrical Wiring
  • Safety Standards
  • 12 Volt Electricity
  • Lifting Ability
  • Automotive Electronics
  • Hand Tools
  • Electrical Systems
  • Electronics
  • Mechanical Aptitude
  • Automotive Services
  • Power Tool Operation
  • Plumbing
  • Low Voltage
  • Network Routing
  • Multimeters
  • Alarm Devices
  • Wiring Diagram
  • HVAC
  • Antenna

How the work gets done

Core competencies

Broad capabilities associated with strong performance in this occupation.

Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Installation
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Service Orientation
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Equipment Selection
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

In the market

Job titles and employers

Recent job postings in United States

Common job titles

  1. 01Car Electronics Installers518 postings
  2. 02Mobile Mechanics82 postings
  3. 03Appliance Installers71 postings
  4. 04Emergency Vehicle Technicians52 postings
  5. 05Installers40 postings
  6. 06Car Audio Installers39 postings
  7. 07Installation Technicians34 postings
  8. 08Route Technicians24 postings
  9. 09Automotive Technicians23 postings
  10. 10Accessory Installers19 postings
  11. 11Mobile Specialists18 postings
  12. 12Custom Home Installers16 postings
  13. 13Vehicle Technicians16 postings
  14. 14Avionics Installers15 postings
  15. 15Equipment Technicians15 postings
  16. 16Installer Technicians14 postings
  17. 17Vehicle Inspectors13 postings
  18. 18K-12 Teachers12 postings
  19. 19Geek Squad Installation Helpers11 postings
  20. 20Mobile Device Technicians10 postings

Top employers

  1. 01Best Buy404 postings
  2. 02Drig54 postings
  3. 03CRST International44 postings
  4. 04Mobile Electronics33 postings
  5. 05Global Public Safety24 postings
  6. 06Interstate Waste Services24 postings
  7. 07EquipmentShare22 postings
  8. 08Lb&B Associates15 postings
  9. 09Cpi Security14 postings
  10. 10Xpel14 postings
  11. 11Caffeinated Coffee Repairs13 postings
  12. 12Day Wireless Systems11 postings
  13. 13Custom Sounds & Tint9 postings
  14. 14Miami Dade County Public Schools9 postings
  15. 15Diakon Logistics8 postings
  16. 16Pacific Express Installation &8 postings
  17. 17Colorado Car Audio7 postings
  18. 18Cpi Security Systems7 postings
  19. 19Elite Emergency Lights7 postings
  20. 20Volt7 postings

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