Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

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

What you'd actually do

• 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.
• Run new speaker and electrical cables.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the day is spent working solo; time pressure is a real part of the job; precision matters — small details carry weight. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 0% of electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles 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

• Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
• Industrial Machinery Mechanics
• Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
• Millwrights
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
• Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers

Quick questions

How much does a electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicle make?

The median pay is $23.28 per hour — roughly $48,500 a year, with the real range running from about $17.11/hr (10th percentile) to $33.74/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicle?

The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

What does a electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicle actually do all day?

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.