How Do I Become an Electronics Repair Technician?
Learn about the education and training options for electronics repair technicians. Explore the types of voluntary certification available to professionals in this field and get job outlook and salary info.
Requirements for an Electronics Repair Technician Career
Many industries depend on electronics repair technicians to keep their necessary systems up and running. This requires a degree or vocational training, an entry-level position to gain experience, and professional certification in some cases.
Important Facts About This Occupation
| Mean Salary (2019) | $59,080 (for electrical and electronics installers and repairers) |
| On-the-Job Training | Repairers often receive training related to a given manufacturer and/or supervision from more experienced employees. |
| Key Skills | Repairers must be able to see in color (to differentiate the color-coding on equipment). They also need to have both the technical knowledge to complete the job as well as customer service skills. |
| Work Environment | Repairers often work in factories or repair stations. The former environment can be loud, and temperatures may run hotter than office environments. Repair shops are likely to be cooler and quieter. |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Postsecondary Education
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, www.bls.gov), most employers prefer to hire electronics repair technicians who've completed some form of technical training. Programs like an Associate of Applied Science in Electronic Engineering Technology or a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Systems Engineering Technology are offered at many local colleges, universities, or vocational schools and can last anywhere from two to four years. These programs typically contain coursework in the following areas:
- Electronic circuitry
- Digital electronics
- Technical math
- Electronic devices
- Electronic controls
- Networking systems
Professional Electronics Repair Technician Certification
To increase your marketability, you may want to consider a professional certification. The Electronics Technicians Association International (www.eta-i.org) offers a certified electronics technician designation in many areas, such as computer service, electronic security networking, or satellite installation. The International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (www.iscet.org) also offers certification in several areas. Both organizations require applicants to pass exams illustrating their skills and knowledge.
Experience
Once you complete a degree program or another formal training program, you will have ample skills to obtain a job. According to the BLS, the best prospects may be in the repair of electric motors, power tools and related areas, where jobs are expected to decline during the period between 2019 and 2029. Technicians may find jobs working with biomedical development, telecommunications, robotics, computer repair or aerospace research.