Installation and repair
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
- Median pay
- $84,890
- Outlook
- Faster than average
Postsecondary certificate
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Operations Monitoring
SOC 49-2096.00
Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.
Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition
Source: BLS 2025 wages · 2025–35 projections
Annual pay range
8,550 people work in this occupation.
In short
Motor vehicle electronic equipment installers and repairers set up and fix sound, security, navigation, and communication systems in vehicles. They earn a median annual pay of $48,420.
Written with AI from the BLS, O*NET and CareerOneStop data on this page. Every figure is checked against that data before it is published.
Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.
Usually vocational training, an associate degree or related experience.
People in this career work with their hands to install, diagnose, and repair electronic systems in cars and trucks. Their daily tasks involve gathering information, solving complex problems, and working with computers and mechanical systems. They must identify specific objects and actions, make decisions, and handle physical equipment safely. Key skills for this role include troubleshooting, repairing, critical thinking, and active listening to understand customer needs.
This profession attracts individuals with realistic interests who enjoy practical, hands-on activities. To succeed, workers must show strong attention to detail, dependability, and cautiousness. They need a solid foundation in mechanical systems, computers, electronics, and mathematics, alongside customer service skills to interact with vehicle owners.
To enter this field, workers typically need a high school diploma. However, the career generally requires medium preparation, which often includes vocational training, an associate degree, or related hands-on experience. Students interested in this path often major in vehicle maintenance and repair technologies or technician programs.
While not always mandatory, several certifications can help workers demonstrate their skills. Relevant certifications include AC/DC Systems from the National Coalition of Certification Centers, the Battery, Starting and Charging Certification from Snap-on Industrial, and both the Electrician and Managing Electrical Hazards certifications from the National Center for Construction Education and Research.
In 2025, the median annual pay for these installers and repairers was $48,420. Earnings vary based on experience and location, with the lowest 10% earning less than $35,590 and the highest 10% earning more than $70,170.
There are 8,550 people employed in this field. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to decline by -14.5%. Despite this projected decrease in total jobs, about 400 openings are still expected to become available each year.
Interest code RCI. Compare it with yours
Auto Tech (Automotive Technician) · Car Alarm Installer · Car Audio Installer · Car Electronics Installer · Car Stereo Installer · Electronic Equipment Installer · Electronic Technician · Electronics Installer · Equipment Installer · GPS Car Navigation Installer (Global Positioning System Car Navigation Installer)
Career pathway
Interests that fit the work, the career, majors that lead there and colleges whose graduates in those majors earn the most. Hover or focus a step to follow one path.
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Majors
Colleges
College Scorecard program outcomes
Programs that lead to this career, ranked by what their graduates earn four years after finishing. Earnings are for graduates who received federal aid.
Daytona Beach, FL · Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians · Bachelor's
Morrisville, NY · Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians · Bachelor's
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard field-of-study data, 2025. Programs with few graduates are not listed.
NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk
Related programs by four-digit CIP code. They are common routes in, not the only ones.
713 colleges offer it
CareerOneStop
What electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles may need beyond a degree, where a license is required, and what the work pays in each state.
Core certifications employers recognise for this work.
Programs of study that prepare people for this work.
Data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (Employment and Training Administration, with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development). Retrieved November 9, 2026.
Your plan
Courses, majors, colleges, scholarships and a timeline for this career, built from your profile.
Written with AI from the BLS, O*NET and CareerOneStop data on this page. Every figure is checked against that data before it is published.
Workers in this field are also known as car audio installers, car electronics installers, auto techs, car stereo installers, and GPS car navigation installers.
Students can prepare for this career by majoring in vehicle maintenance and repair technologies/technicians.
Related careers include automotive service technicians and mechanics, avionics technicians, audiovisual equipment installers and repairers, and electrical and electronics repairers for commercial and industrial equipment.
Every figure on this page comes from these public datasets. Missing values are shown as not reported, never estimated.
Version 31.0
Version 2025-35 · Data year 2025
Version 2025 · Data year 2025
Version 2020 · Data year 2020
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. CollegesRef has modified all or some of this information.
Data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (Employment and Training Administration, with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development). Retrieved November 9, 2026.
Page data updated November 5, 2026.