Career Overview
Install, repair, or adjust audio or television receivers, stereo systems, camcorders, video systems, or other electronic entertainment equipment in homes or other venues. May perform routine maintenance.
Also Known As
- Electronic Tech (Electronic Technician)
- Home Theater Installer
- Installer
- Satellite Installer
Alternate Job Titles
- A/V Installation Tech (Audio Visual Installation Technician)
- A/V Installer (Audio Visual Installer)
- Audio Installer
- Audio Video Installer
- Audio Video Mechanic
- AV Repairer (Audio Video Repairer)
- Cable Installation Tech (Cable Installation Technician)
- Cable Installer
- Cable Technician (Cable Tech)
- Cable TV Installer (Cable Television Installer)
- Electric Organ Checker
- Electric Organ Inspector and Repairer
- Electronic Home Entertainment Equipment Repairer
- Electronic Musical Instrument Repairer
- Electronic Organ Mechanic
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Install, service, and repair electronic equipment or instruments such as televisions, radios, and videocassette recorders.
- Calibrate and test equipment, and locate circuit and component faults, using hand and power tools and measuring and testing instruments such as resistance meters and oscilloscopes.
- Confer with customers to determine the nature of problems or to explain repairs.
- Position or mount speakers, and wire speakers to consoles.
- Instruct customers on the safe and proper use of equipment.
- Make service calls to repair units in customers' homes, or return units to shops for major repairs.
- Read and interpret electronic circuit diagrams, function block diagrams, specifications, engineering drawings, and service manuals.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Quality Control Analysis
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Near Vision
- Finger Dexterity
- Visualization
- Problem Sensitivity
- Oral Comprehension
- Visual Color Discrimination
- Far Vision
- Deductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Manual Dexterity
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Perseverance
- Achievement Orientation
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Relationships
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 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
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable hand wrenches
- Box cutters
- Cable flaring tools
- Cable pulling tools
- Cable ringers
- Cable stripping tools
- Coaxial cable strippers
- Cordless drills
- Digital multimeters
- Digital still cameras
- Drywall saws
- Flat head screwdrivers
- Gas soldering irons
- Hex key sets
- High-leverage cutters
Work Environment
- Telephone Conversations
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $36,310 |
| Median | $50,620 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $82,150 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 22,170
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $62,630
Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $64,190
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $70,500
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $71,300
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
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: $47,940
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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.