Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Installation, Maintenance & Repair
• O*NET-SOC code: 49-2096
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Remove seats, carpeting, and interiors of doors and add sound-absorbing material in empty spaces, reinstalling interior parts.
• Record results of diagnostic tests.
• Estimate costs of repairs, based on parts and labor charges.
• Replace and clean electrical or electronic components.
• Build fiberglass or wooden enclosures for sound components, and fit them to automobile dimensions.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Adjustable widemouth pliers, Carpet knives, Circuit testers, Clip and staple pullers, Desktop computers, Door panel fastener removal tools, Flat blade screwdrivers, Glue guns

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
• Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
• Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
• Avionics Technicians
• Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers
• Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers
• Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.