Automotive Electrician

Job Description: Electronic equipment installers and repairers for motor vehicles install, diagnose, and repair communication, sound, security, and navigation equipment in motor vehicles. Most installation work involves either new alarm or sound systems. New sound systems vary significantly in cost and complexity of installation. Replacing a head unit (radio) with a new computer disc (CD) player is quite simple, requiring the removal of a few screws and the connection of a few wires. Installing a new sound system with a subwoofer, amplifier, and fuses is far more complicated. Motor vehicle installers and repairers work with an increasingly complex range of electronic equipment, including DVD players, satellite navigation equipment, passive-security tracking systems, and active-security systems.

Working conditions: Motor vehicle electronic equipment installers and repairers normally work indoors in well-ventilated and well-lighted repair shops. Minor cuts and bruises are common, but serious accidents usually are avoided when safety practices are observed.

Education and Training Requirements: Knowledge of electrical equipment and electronics is necessary for employment. Many applicants gain this knowledge through programs lasting one to two years at vocational schools or community colleges, although some less skilled repairers may have only a high school diploma. Entry-level repairers may work closely with more experienced technicians who provide technical guidance.

Salary Range:
Median Hourly Wage: $12.50
Middle 50 percent: $10.00-$16.00
Highest 10 percent: Greater than $19.50

Job Outlook: Employment of motor vehicle electronic equipment installers and repairers also is expected to grow as fast as the average. However, motor vehicle manufacturers will install more and better sound, security, entertainment, and navigation systems in new vehicles, limiting employment growth for aftermarket electronic equipment installers. In addition, newer electronic systems are more reliable and require less maintenance.

Our featured schools may offer programs in automotive electronics, but you can also find out more about a path to a related career by consulting programs listed below.

Featured School
Universal Technical Institute (Multiple Campus Locations) - Automotive Technology, Automotive / Diesel and Industrial Technology, Ford FACT Technology, Collision Repair & Refinish Technology, Diesel/Industrial Technology, Automotive Technology w/SMOG (California Emissions), BWM FastTrack
Marine Mechanics Institute (Orlando) - Marine Technician Specialist
Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (Phoenix) - Motorcycle Technician Specialist w/ Harley-Davidson Electives, Motorcycle Technician Specialist w/ Sport Bike Electives
NASCAR Technical Institute (Mooresville) - Automotive & NASCAR Technology, Automotive & Ford FACT Technology w/ NASCAR Engines I & II, Automotive & NASCAR Technology w/ Pit Crew, Automotive / NASCAR / Ford FACT Technology w/ Pit Crew, Automotive Technology w/ NASCAR Engines I & II

Online
Penn Foster Career School - Auto Body Repair Technician, Auto Detailer, Auto Repair Technician

Arizona
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) (Avondale) - Automotive & Diesel Technology w/ BMW FastTRACK, Automotive & Diesel Technology w/ Ford FACT, Automotive / Diesel & Industrial Technology, Automotive / Diesel Technology, Diesel / Industrial Technology, Diesel / Industrial Technology w/Cummins
Arizona Automotive Institute (Glendale) - Automotive / Autotronics, Automotive / Diesel Technology, Automotive / Shop Management (AAS Degree), Automotive Technology
Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (Phoenix) - Motorcycle Technician Specialist w/ Harley-Davidson Electives, Motorcycle Technician Specialist w/ Sport Bike Electives

California
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) (Rancho Cucamonga, Sacramento) - Automotive / Ford FACT Technology, Automotive Technology, Automotive Technology w/BMW FastTrack, Collision Repair & Refinish Technology, Automotive Technology, Automotive / Diesel & Industrial Technology
Wyotech (Fremont, Long Beach, West Sacramento) - Automotive technology, Chassis Fabrication and High Performance Engines, Collision/Refinishing Technology, Street Rod and Custom Fabrication, Trim and Upholstery

Colorado
Westwood College (Denver) - automotive technology
IntelliTec Colleges (Colorado Springs, Grand Junction) - automotive technician

Connecticut
Baran Institute of Technology (East Windsor) - autobody technician, automotive technician

Florida
ATI Career Training Center (Miami) - automotive service technician
ATI Career Training Center (Oakland Park) - automotive service technician
Marine Mechanics Institute (Orlando) - Marine Technician Specialist
Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (Orlando) - Motorcycle Technician Specialist w/ Harley-Davidson Electives, Motorcycle Technician Specialist w/ Sport Bike Electives
Wyotech (Daytona Beach) - BMW Motorcycle Mechanic, Ducati Motorcycle Mechanic, Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Mechanic, Honda Motorcycle Mechanic, Kawasaki Motorcycle Mechanic, Marine Mechanics, Suzuki Motorcycle Mechanic, Yamaha Motorcycle Mechanic

Illinois
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) (Glendale Heights) - Automotive & Diesel Technology w/ Ford FACT or Toyota TPAT, Automotive / Diesel & Industrial Technology w/ Ford FACT or Toyota TPAT, Automotive / Diesel and Industrial Technology, Automotive Technology, Automotive / Diesel & Industrial Technology w/ International ITEP

Indiana

Maryland

Massachusetts
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) (Norwood) - Automotive Technology, Automotive / Diesel & Industrial Technology, Automotive / Diesel & Industrial Technology w/ Ford FACT, Diesel / Industrial Technology

New Jersey

North Carolina
NASCAR Technical Institute (Mooresville) - Automotive & NASCAR Technology, Automotive & Ford FACT Technology w/ NASCAR Engines I & II, Automotive & NASCAR Technology w/ Pit Crew, Automotive / NASCAR / Ford FACT Technology w/ Pit Crew, Automotive Technology w/ NASCAR Engines I & II

Pennsylvania
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) (Exton) - Automotive / Diesel & Industrial Technology w/ Ford FACT, Automotive / Diesel and Industrial Technology, Automotive / Ford FACT Technology, Automotive Technology, Diesel / Industrial Technology, Automotive / NASCAR / Ford FACT Technology, Automotive Technology w/ NASCAR Engines I & II + Pit Crew
New Castle School of Trades (Pulaski) automotive Technology
York Technical Institute (York) motorcycle technology

Tennessee
Nashville Auto-Diesel College (Nashville) auto body repair technology (diploma and Associate Degree), automotive and diesel technology (diploma and Associate Degree)

Texas
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) (Houston) - Automotive & Diesel Technology w/ Ford FACT, Automotive / Diesel & Industrial Technology w/ Ford FACT, Automotive / Diesel and Industrial Technology, Automotive / Diesel Technology, Automotive Technology, Collision Repair & Refinish Technology, Collision Repair & Refinish Technology w/ Toyota TPAT, Diesel / Industrial Technology
ATI Career Training Center (Dallas) - automotive service technician
ATI Career Training Center (North Richland Hills) - automotive service technician

Virginia
Advanced Technology Institute (Virginia Beach) Automotive Technology I, Automotive/Diesel Technology, Ford Motor Co. MLR Training