Automotive Electronics Technicians
Overview
Automotive electronics technicians install and repair high-tech equipment in cars, trucks, and other vehicles. You'll work with cutting-edge systems like GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, backup cameras, security alarms, and premium sound systems. Using diagnostic tools and soldering equipment, you'll troubleshoot electronic problems, run new wiring, and customize vehicles with the latest technology. This hands-on career combines technical skills with customer service, and you can start with a high school diploma plus specialized training in automotive electronics.
Did you know?
The automotive electronics field requires continuous learning to keep up with advancing technologies like electric vehicles, autonomous systems, and connected car features.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$47,210.29 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Operations Monitoring
Key Responsibilities
- Run new speaker and electrical cables.
- Splice wires with knives or cutting pliers, and solder connections to fixtures and equipment.
- Record results of diagnostic tests.
- Confer with customers to determine the nature of malfunctions.
- Replace and clean electrical or electronic components.
- Remove seats, carpeting, and interiors of doors and add sound-absorbing material in empty spaces, reinstalling interior parts.
- Inspect and test electrical or electronic systems to locate and diagnose malfunctions, using visual inspections and testing instruments, such as oscilloscopes and voltmeters.
- Install equipment and accessories, such as stereos, navigation equipment, communication equipment, and security systems.
- Diagnose or repair problems with electronic equipment, such as sound, navigation, communication, and security equipment, in motor vehicles.
- Build fiberglass or wooden enclosures for sound components, and fit them to automobile dimensions.
- Cut openings and drill holes for fixtures and equipment, using electric drills and routers.
- Estimate costs of repairs, based on parts and labor charges.
Career Considerations
Rapid Technology Evolution
The automotive electronics field requires continuous learning to keep up with advancing technologies like electric vehicles, autonomous systems, and connected car features.
Industry Certification Requirements
Many employers prefer or require ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification and manufacturer-specific training to work on modern vehicle electronic systems.
Regional Job Market Variation
Employment opportunities are typically concentrated in areas with strong automotive industries, such as the Midwest and Southeast regions of the United States.