Career Overview
Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.
Also Known As
- Automotive Technician
- Car Audio Installer
- Car Stereo Installer
- Mobile Electronics Installation Specialist
Alternate Job Titles
- Accessory Installer
- Appliance Installer
- Auto Electrician (Automotive Electrician)
- Auto Phone Installer
- Auto Radio Mechanic
- Automatic Window Seat and Top Lift Repairer
- Automotive Technician
- Burglar Alarm Installer
- Car Alarm Installer
- Car Audio Installer
- Car Electronics Installer
- Car Stereo Installer
- Custom Home Installer
- Electrical Tryout Person
- Electronic Equipment Installer
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
- Confer with customers to determine the nature of malfunctions.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Mechanical
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Near Vision
- Finger Dexterity
- Visual Color Discrimination
- Extent Flexibility
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Visualization
- Manual Dexterity
- Selective Attention
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Perseverance
- Integrity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Independence
- Relationships
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
Education & Preparation
Typical 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)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
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 PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Carpet knives
- Circuit testers
- Clip and staple pullers
- Desktop computers
- Door panel fastener removal tools
- Flat blade screwdrivers
- Glue guns
- Hammers
- Heat guns
- Multimeters
- Notebook computers
- Offset screwdrivers
- Oscilloscopes
- Panel tools
Work Environment
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Exposed to Contaminants
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $31,680 |
| Median | $47,940 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $70,480 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 10,140
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
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
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
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: $53,990
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $71,300
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
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: $49,670
Avionics 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: $81,390
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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.