Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.

What you'd actually do

• Inspect and test electrical systems and equipment to locate and diagnose malfunctions, using visual inspections, testing devices, and computer software.
• Reassemble and test equipment after repairs.
• Adjust, repair, or replace defective wiring and relays in ignition, lighting, air-conditioning, and safety control systems, using electrician's tools.
• Splice wires with knives or cutting pliers, and solder connections to fixtures, outlets, and equipment.
• Locate and remove or repair circuit defects such as blown fuses or malfunctioning transistors.
• Maintain equipment service records.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Post-secondary certificate. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the work happens outdoors; much of the day is spent working solo; time pressure is a real part of the job. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 0% of electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on, organized and detail-focused and analytical.

Related careers

• Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
• First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
• Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
• Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
• Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment

Quick questions

How much does a electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment make?

The median pay is $40.81 per hour — roughly $85,000 a year, with the real range running from about $24.40/hr (10th percentile) to $56.16/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment?

The typical entry-level education is: Post-secondary certificate. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

What does a electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment actually do all day?

Inspect and test electrical systems and equipment to locate and diagnose malfunctions, using visual inspections, testing devices, and computer software. Reassemble and test equipment after repairs. Adjust, repair, or replace defective wiring and relays in ignition, lighting, air-conditioning, and safety control systems, using electrician's tools.