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Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

O*NET files this work under Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles: people who install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles. The skills rated most useful are troubleshooting, repairing, and operations monitoring. One core duty is to estimate costs of repairs, based on parts and labor charges. Interest ratings put Realistic on top at 7.0 out of 7 and Conventional second, so the code is RCI and the day leans toward hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world. Getting in usually takes one or two years of vocational training, an apprenticeship or an associate’s degree, a level O*NET calls medium preparation. People who want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world usually fit better here than those who need creative work with room for original expression.

What they do

Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.

Main tasks

  • Estimate costs of repairs, based on parts and labor charges.
  • 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.
  • Diagnose or repair problems with electronic equipment, such as sound, navigation, communication, and security equipment, in motor vehicles.
  • Confer with customers to determine the nature of malfunctions.
  • Record results of diagnostic tests.

Skills

  • Troubleshooting
  • Repairing
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Installation

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You are willing to put in a year or two of focused training.
  • You are comfortable relying on troubleshooting and repairing.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You need to start within a few months, with no training period.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCI takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Medium preparation. Expect vocational school, an apprenticeship, related experience or an associate’s degree, usually one or two years in total.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Post-Secondary Certificate. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Auto Tech (Automotive Technician)
  • Car Alarm Installer
  • Car Electronics Installer
  • Car Stereo Installer
  • Electronic Equipment Installer

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.