Career Overview
Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.
Also Known As
- Control Technician
- Electrical and Instrument Technician (E and I Tech)
- Electronic Technician
- I and C Tech (Instrument and Control Technician)
Alternate Job Titles
- Access Control Installer
- Aerial Erector
- Aerial Installer
- Amplifier Mechanic
- Automation Mechanic
- Automation Technician
- Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)
- Commercial Control Technician
- Commercial Service Technician (Commercial Service Tech)
- Computerized Environmental Control Installer
- Control Systems Technician
- Control Technician
- Data Acquisition Technician
- E and I Mechanic (Electrical and Instrument Mechanic)
- E and I Mechanic (Electrical and Instrumentation Mechanic)
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Test faulty equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test equipment or software, and applying knowledge of the functional operation of electronic units and systems.
- Maintain equipment logs that record performance problems, repairs, calibrations, or tests.
- Set up and test industrial equipment to ensure that it functions properly.
- Inspect components of industrial equipment for accurate assembly and installation or for defects, such as loose connections or frayed wires.
- Install repaired equipment in various settings, such as industrial or military establishments.
- Operate equipment to demonstrate proper use or to analyze malfunctions.
- Enter information into computer to copy program or to draw, modify, or store schematics, applying knowledge of software package used.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Computers and Electronics
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- Administration and Management
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Operations Monitoring
- Repairing
- Critical Thinking
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Quality Control Analysis
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Information Ordering
- Problem Sensitivity
- Near Vision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Deductive Reasoning
- Oral Comprehension
- Finger Dexterity
- Manual Dexterity
- Visual Color Discrimination
- Flexibility of Closure
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Integrity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Independence
- Achievement
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable wrenches
- Air blowers
- Air compressors
- Ammeters
- Bead blasters
- Block and tackle equipment
- Bulb extractors
- Cable locating meters
- Cable winches
- Cement cutters
- Chart recorders
- Clamp sticks
- Cold chisels
- Comealongs
- Computer diagnostic devices
Work Environment
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Contact With Others
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $44,980 |
| Median | $71,300 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $103,060 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 59,990
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $65,040
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $77,180
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $82,730
Robotics Technicians
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $70,760
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $79,830
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.