What Are the Requirements to Become an Electronics Technician?
If you're looking to apply your interests and skills to a career working with electronics, you may be curious about what it takes to land a position as an electronics technician. Keep reading to learn more about this occupation and its requirements.
Overview
<p>Electronics technicians work with computers and other electrical equipment and can be involved in the development, testing, or repair of these machines. Those that work in this field generally complete some level of postsecondary training. Employers may prefer to hire technicians that have an associate's degree and professional certification, according to the U.S. Bureau Labor of Statistics (<i>www.bls.gov</i>).
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<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutBeingAnElectronicsTechnician">Important Facts About Being an Electronics Technician</h3>
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<table border="1"><tr><td>Median Pay (2021)</td><td> $61,730 (<i>for electrical and electronics installers/repairers</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 1% decline (<i>for all electrical and electronics installers/repairers</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td>Work Environment</td><td> Factories, repair shops; higher rate of illness/injury than the national average</td></tr>
<tr><td>Key Skills</td><td> Color vision, technical skills, interpersonal skills, troubleshooting skills</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *US Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
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<h3 id="section---FormalEducation">Formal Education</h3>
<p>Several community colleges and vocational schools offer formal programs in electronics technology. A two-year associate's degree program teaches students how to fix and maintain electronic devices, as well as how to manage circuitry. An electronics technician might be called upon to handle computers, biomedical tools, industrial equipment, and office equipment. Some basic courses in an electronic technician associate's degree program include:
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<ul><li>DC/AC Electronic and Lab
</li><li>Microprocessor Electronics and Lab
</li><li>Electronic Communications Systems
</li><li>Network Standards and Protocol
</li><li>Electronic Devices
</li></ul><p>In addition to the basic courses, students can choose elective courses, such as:
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<ul><li>Home Technology Integration
</li><li>Sensors and Instrumentation
</li><li>Wireless Communication Systems
</li><li>Semiconductor Manufacturing
</li></ul><h3 id="section---RealWorldExperience">Real-World Experience</h3>
<p>Some programs also include cooperative education. This portion of training for aspiring electronics technicians provides an opportunity for real work experience at companies who participate in the program.</p>