Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers
Job Outlook
Overall employment of electrical and electronics installers and repairers is projected to decline 4 percent from 2014 to 2024. Growth rates will vary by occupation.
Employment of motor vehicle electronic equipment installers and repairers, which represents less than 10 percent of this profile's 2014 employment, is projected to decline 50 percent from 2014 to 2024. Motor vehicle manufacturers continue to install more and higher quality sound, security, entertainment, and navigation systems in new vehicles. These new electronic systems require less maintenance and will limit installation of aftermarket products.
Employment of powerhouse, substation, and relay electrical and electronics installers and repairers is projected to decline 5 percent from 2014 to 2024. Although the installation of new, energy-efficient technologies will likely spur demand for some new workers, privatization in the utilities industries should improve productivity and more than offset any employment gains.
Employment of electric motor, power tool, and related repairers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2014 to 2024, slower than the average for all occupations. Improvements in electrical and electronic equipment design, as well as the increased use of disposable tool parts, will result in slow employment growth.
Employment of electrical and electronics installers and repairers of transportation equipment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2014 to 2024, slower than the average for all occupations. Increasing employment in the rail transportation industry—the largest employing segment of these specialists—drives most of the employment growth.
Employment of electrical and electronics installers and repairers of commercial and industrial equipment, which represents about half of this profile's 2014 employment, is projected to show little or no change from 2014 to 2024. As competition increases, businesses strive to lower costs by increasing and improving automation. Equipment that needs service and repair would generally increase the demand for electrical workers, but improved reliability of equipment is expected to offset that demand and temper overall employment growth.
Job Prospects
Overall job opportunities should be excellent for qualified workers with technical education—including an associate's degree in electronics—along with certification.
The best job opportunities should be for commercial and industrial equipment installers and repairers as the need to replace retiring workers should result in many job openings. Conversely, few opportunities will be available for motor vehicle equipment installers and repairers as the amount of aftermarket installations continues to decline.
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers
Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24
Total, all occupations
7%
Electrical and electronic equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers
0%
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers
-4%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program