Electronic Equipment Repairer
An Electronic Equipment Repairer specializes in diagnosing and repairing various types of electronic equipment across multiple industries, including manufacturing, telecommunications, and utilities. Typically, these professionals work either in repair shops or in the field at customer locations, such as factories and power substations. Effective troubleshooting and mechanical skills are essential, as repairers often assess faults and use advanced diagnostic tools to identify issues.
Education requirements usually include courses in electronics from a community or technical college, and hands-on training is common in this field. While entry-level positions may only require a high school diploma, further education, such as an associate's degree, can enhance job prospects and advancement opportunities. Career earnings average around $67,220 per year, reflecting the specialized nature of the work. Repairers often work independently and are responsible for logging their repair activities, including parts used and time spent. Overall, the role appeals to those who enjoy problem-solving and working with their hands, making it a fulfilling career for mechanically inclined individuals.
Electronic Equipment Repairer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Manufacturing
Interests: Electronics, mechanics, solving problems, working with your hands
Earnings (Yearly Average): $67,220 per year $32.31 per hour
Employment & Outlook: -2% (Decline)
Entry-Level Education Courses in electronics at a community college or technical school.
Related Work Experience Prior work experience in electric motor, power tool, and related repairs
On-the-job-Training Yes; typically in workshops.
Overview
Sphere of Work.Electronic equipment repairers work within the service industry. They work on various types of electronic equipment with a range of applications. They specialize in a particular field. This can be repair of commercial and industrial equipment in the manufacturing or telecommunications industry or repair of electronic equipment in the power or other utility industry. Work done in the transportation sector primarily covers the components of boats, ships, and locomotive engines, with motor vehicles as a separate specialty. avionicsis not considered part of this occupation.
Work Environment. Electronic equipment repairers work either in the field at customer locations or in repair shops. Field sites vary greatly, depending on the type of electronic equipment needing repair. They include factories, powerhouses and substations, railroad yards, harbors, offices, and commercial shops.
Repair shops are generally indoors and are designed for customers to bring in their malfunctioning electronic equipment. These include places where electronic equipment for whole motor vehicles can be repaired. Some repair shops specialize in working on broken equipment sent in after it has been removed and replaced by customers.
Occupation Interest. Electronic equipment repair can appeal to a person who likes to tinker with equipment and takes pride in fixing things. Mechanical and troubleshooting skills are essential. Repair work tends to be varied, and fieldwork combines travel with working indoors. Educational training focuses on practical skills. Earnings in the field have been attractive, especially for repairing industrial and commercial electronic equipment.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The work day of an electronic equipment repairer generally begins either at the site of a customer or in a repair shop. Many repairers work independently with little direct supervision, especially in the field.
Initial fault assessment demands good skills in troubleshooting, testing, and common sense. It is important to determine if the cause of the problem is due to technical reasons, human error, or even outside influences such as a loose or frayed wire connection. For inspection and testing, an electronic equipment repairer will use sophisticated electronic diagnostic tools. Repairers must be knowledgeable about the operation processes and composition of the electronic equipment they are examining.
Before agreeing to repair work, some customers will want a cost estimate, which is often calculated by the repairers themselves. To repair certain key electronic equipment at a power house or on a factory floor, for example, a plant has to be shut down for a scheduled period of time.
Actual repair work depends on the type of electronic equipment and the cause of its breakdown. For repairs, an electronic equipment repairer relies on fine mechanical hand tools, the handling of which requires considerable mechanical skills and the ability to perform precision work.
After repairs are completed, the repaired equipment is reassembled and tested. In the field, the equipment is reconnected and its operations tested. By the end of the workday or upon completion of a task, electronic equipment repairers are generally required to log the details of their work, including parts used and labor time expended.
Field Service Engineers. Field Service Engineers install and repair electronic equipment, such as computers, radars, missile controls, and avionics and communications systems. These are located at field installations.
Electronics Mechanics. Electronics Mechanics repair electronic equipment, such as computers, industrial controls, audio and video systems, radar systems, missile control systems, transmitters, and antennas.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Electronic equipment repair work is commonly done at a customer’s location by a field technician or in a repair shop by a bench technician. Typically, field locations are industrial or commercial settings. They can range from large installations such as power plants to office suites. Repair shops vary in size and specialization but are generally well-lit and comfortable to work in.
Human Environment. Many electronic equipment repairers work alone on field assignments. In a repair shop, they usually have colleagues and supervisors. Work is done either during business hours or at any time when electronic equipment repairers are called on to perform emergency repairs.
Technological Environment. The work involves both sophisticated electronic diagnostic tools, such as testing software, advanced electronic multimeters, signal generators, and oscilloscopes, and mechanical precision instruments for repairs. The electronic equipment subject to repair is increasingly technologically complex.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students should take classes in electricity and electronics, at the advanced placement (AP) level if offered. Other useful classes include applied mathematics, general mathematics, computer science, science, and English. To earn a high school diploma with technical education, classes in blueprint reading, shop mathematics and mechanics, and welding should be taken. Students should also join a high school or community electronics club if one is available and look for summer or part-time work as an assistant in an electronics repair shop.
Postsecondary. It is possible to obtain a job with simply a high school degree, and the field has a strong focus on on-the-job training. However, initial employment chances are assisted if the applicant has received specialized formal training in electronic equipment repair at a community college, technical college, or vocational school. Courses should include electronics and electronic equipment repair. An associate’s degree in the field is useful both for obtaining initial employment and for professional advancement.
Completing at least some college work is advantageous, and can be required for positions in the best-paying specializations. These include repair of commercial and industrial electronic equipment or equipment at powerhouses, power substations, and relay stations. A baccalaureate degree in electronics, for example, qualifies a person for top positions in the field after gaining on-the-job experience.
The US Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship Training recognizes six apprenticeships suitable for work in this occupation. These include field service engineer, electronic sales and service technician, and specialization in meteorological equipment repair.
Related Occupations
− Biomedical Equipment Technician
− Electronic Engineering Technician
− Home Entertainment Equipment Repairer
− Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer
Bibliography
“Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Dept of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/electrical-and-electronics-installers-and-repairers.htm. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
“Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: 49-2094 Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment.” Occupational Employment Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Dept of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/OES/current/oes492094.htm. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.