Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers Job Outlook

Overall employment of electrical and electronics installers and repairers is expected to grow 3 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations.

Projected employment change for specific groups of workers within this occupation is as follows:

• Electrical and electronics installers and repairers of commercial and industrial equipment: little or no change. As competition increases, businesses strive to lower costs by increasing and improving automation. This equipment needs service and repair, and generally increases the demand for electrical workers, but improved reliability of equipment is expected to temper employment growth.
• Motor vehicle electronic equipment installers and repairers: 3 percent growth. As motor vehicle manufacturers install more and better sound, security, entertainment, and navigation systems in new vehicles, and as newer electronic systems require progressively less maintenance, employment growth for aftermarket electronic equipment installers will be limited.
• Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers: 5 percent growth. Retrofitting electrical generators in public buildings to reduce emissions and energy consumption will spur some employment growth. However, improvements in electrical and electronic equipment design, as well as the increased use of disposable tool parts, should limit employment growth.
• Electrical and electronic installers and repairers of transportation equipment: little or no change. Declining employment in the rail transportation industry will dampen growth in this occupational specialty even as other transportation systems need additional workers.
• Powerhouse, substation, and relay electrical and electronics installers and repairers: 5 percent growth. Although privatization in utilities industries should improve productivity and hinder employment growth, the installation of newer, energy-efficient green technologies will spur some demand for employment.

Job Prospects

Overall job opportunities should be best for applicants who have an associate’s degree in electronics, certification, or related experience. In addition to employment growth, the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force will result in some job openings.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition