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Electronics Related Careers
There are many types of job classifications for which a person with training in electronics technology may qualify. A few of the most common job functions are discussed briefly in the following paragraphs.
Technical personnel in this category are involved in the repair or adjustment of both commercial and consumer electronic equipment that is returned to the dealer or manufacturer for service. Specific areas include televisions, VCR’s, CD players, stereo equipment, CB radios, and computer hardware. About 1 in 6 home entertainment installers and repairers are self-employed.
Job Outlook
Electronic home entertainment equipment installers and repairers held about 37,000 jobs in 2000. Although miniaturization has made repair work relatively difficult, the demand for installers remains quite high.
Earnings
Median annual earnings of electronic home entertainment equipment installers and repairers were $26,457 in 2000. The middle 50% earned between $20,592 and $34,590. The highest 10% earned more than $43,098.
Industrial Manufacturing Technician
Manufacturing personnel are involved in the testing of electronic products at the assembly-line level or in the maintenance and troubleshooting of electronic and electromechanical systems used in the testing and manufacturing of products. Virtually every type of manufacturing plant, regardless of its product, uses automated equipment that is electronically controlled. Most of these technicians have one or two years training at a Community College or Vocational Training Center.
Job Outlook
Industrial electrical and electronic equipment maintenance and troubleshooting technicians held about 171,000 jobs in 2000. Many maintenance individuals worked for wholesale trade companies, the Federal Government, and manufacturers of electronic components and accessories.
Earnings
Median annual earnings of electrical and electronic maintenance personnel were $36,920 in 2000. The middle 50% earned between $28,954 and $44,346. The highest 10% earned more than $56,622.
Electronics Engineering Technician
These technicians are involved in bread-boarding, prototyping, and testing new or modified electronic systems in research and developmental laboratories. They generally work closely with engineers during the developmental phase of a product. Most of these technicians are expected to have two years of training at a Community College and possess an Associates Degree. (Similar to an Engineering Assistant/Associate Engineer)
Job Outlook
Opportunities will be best for students with an Associates Degree. As technology becomes more sophisticated, employers continue to look for technicians who are skilled in new technology and require a minimum of additional job training. New specializations will continue to grow in all areas employing engineering technicians.
Earnings
Median annual earnings of electronics engineering technicians were $40,020 in 2000. The middle 50% earned between $31,570 and $49,680. The highest 10% earned more than $58,320.
Electrical and Electronics Engineer
Engineers design, develop, and manufacture consumer and industrial electronics equipment, from computers and stereos, to medical and radar equipment. They design new products such as industrial control systems, aviation electronics, or consumer electronic equipment. They also write performance requirements, and develop maintenance schedules. They use electronics test equipment, solve operating problems and estimate time and cost of engineering projects. Most positions require a Bachelors Degree in Engineering or related fields.
Job Outlook
Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduates should have favorable job opportunities. Employment is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations through 2010. Continuing education is important for engineers to keep abreast of new technologies. Electrical and Electronic Engineers held about 288,000 jobs in 2000.
Earnings
Median annual earnings of engineering electronics technicians were $64,910 in 2000. The middle 50% earned between $51,700 and $80,600. The highest 10% earned more than $94,490.
Field service personnel service and repair electronic equipment, such as computer systems, radar installations, automatic banking equipment, and security systems at the user’s location. Workers use a variety of tools for diagnostic tests and repair. To diagnose malfunctions, they use multimeters to measure voltage, current, resistance, and other electrical properties; signal generators to provide test signals; and oscilloscopes to monitor equipment signals. To diagnose computerized equipment, repairers use software programs.
Job Outlook
Computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers held about 156,000 jobs in 2002. Employment of computer, automated teller and office machine repairers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2012. Job growth will be driven by the increasing dependence of business and residential customers on computers and other sophisticated office machines.
Earnings
Median annual earnings of computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers were $33,328 in 2002. The middle 50% earned between $25,875 and $42,390. The highest 10% earned more than $52,125.
Technical writers put technical information into easily understandable language. They prepare operating and maintenance manuals, catalogs, parts lists, assembly instructions, sales promotion materials, and project proposals. Many technical writers work with engineers on technical subject matters to prepare written interpretations of engineering and design specifications. They plan and edit technical materials and oversee the preparation of illustrations, photographs, diagrams, and charts.
Job Outlook
Employment of technical writers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2012. The outlook for most writing and editing jobs is expected to be competitive. Demand for technical writers and writers with expertise in specialty areas is expected to increase because of the continuing expansion of scientific and technical information and the need to communicate it to others. Technical writers held about 50,000 jobs in 2002.
Earnings
Median annual earnings for salaried technical writers were $50,580 in 2002. The middle 50% earned between $39,100 and $64, 750. The highest 10% earned more than $80,900.
Technically trained people are in demand as sales representatives for high-technology products. The ability both to understand technical concepts and to communicate the technical aspects of a product to a potential customer is very valuable. In this area, as in technical writing, competency in expressing orally and in writing is essential. Technical writers must be able to record data clearly and explain procedures, conclusions, and actions taken.
Job Outlook
Employment of sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2012 due to continued growth in the variety and number of good to be sold. Job prospects for wholesale sales representatives will be better than those for manufacturing sales representatives. Agents are paid on a sales commission.
Earnings
Median annual earnings of sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products, were $55,740, including commission, in 2002. The middle 50% earned between $39,480 and $79,380 a year. The highest 10% earned more than $108,010 a year.
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Updated on 17-FEB-06
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