What does an electronics technician do?
Electronics technicians keep electronic equipment working. They install, test, maintain and repair systems that use circuit boards, sensors, controls and communication devices. The work depends on the industry, but troubleshooting is always at the center of it.
When equipment fails, a tech uses schematics and test equipment to track down the problem. They measure voltage, current and signals, find the faulty part or connection, and repair or replace it. Then they test the system to make sure it works correctly.
Troubleshooting electronics takes patience and logic. Good techs work step by step, starting with the simplest possible causes, like power, connections and settings, before moving to circuit-level testing. They read schematics and manuals closely, keep careful notes, and know when a board should be repaired and when it makes more sense to replace a whole module. Steady hands and good eyesight help with fine soldering work.
Many techs also do preventive maintenance. They inspect and calibrate equipment, update software and firmware, and replace worn parts before they fail. Some install new systems and set them up for customers.
The equipment varies widely. Techs may work on industrial control panels, motor drives, radar and navigation systems, two-way radios, security systems, power plant controls, broadcast equipment or medical devices. BLS counts techs who repair commercial and industrial electronic equipment in the occupation used for this guide.
Tools of the job include multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, logic analyzers, soldering stations, hand tools, laptops and diagnostic software.
Electronics technicians work for:
- Manufacturers and industrial plants
- Utilities and power plants
- Telecommunications and broadcast companies
- Repair and service companies
- Government agencies and the military
A typical day
- Review service calls or maintenance schedules
- Read schematics and plan your troubleshooting
- Test circuits and find faulty parts
- Repair, replace or calibrate equipment
- Document your work and order parts
Electronics technician pay and job outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrical and electronics repairers of commercial and industrial equipment earn a median of $74,090 a year, or $35.62 an hour. Pay often depends on the industry, with specialized and high-responsibility roles paying more.
The BLS counts about 65,500 jobs in this occupation. Employment is projected to stay about the same from 2025 to 2035, with growth of 0.3%. There are still about 4,700 openings a year, mostly from retirements and people changing careers.
Pros
- Strong pay for a one- or two-year program.
- Interesting, problem-solving work.
- Skills apply in many industries.
- Paths into automation, communications and engineering support.
Cons
- Little overall job growth.
- Some jobs require travel, on-call work or shift work.
- Equipment changes fast, so you must keep learning.
- Work can involve electrical hazards and tight spaces.
Training options: school vs. on-the-job training
Electronics technology program. This is the most common path. Community colleges and technical schools offer certificates and associate degrees. Programs often take about one to two years and include lots of lab work with circuits, soldering and test equipment. Costs typically range from a few thousand dollars at many community colleges to more at private schools.
Military training. The armed forces train many electronics technicians in areas like radar, communications and avionics. These skills transfer well to civilian jobs.
On-the-job training. Some employers hire people with basic skills and train them on their equipment. The BLS lists long-term on-the-job training as typical for this occupation, so expect to keep learning after you are hired.
Certification and licensing by state
Most electronics technicians do not need a state license. Some states license low-voltage, alarm or security system installers, and rules vary by state. Radio work may require an FCC license.
Voluntary certifications can help you stand out:
- ETA International offers electronics technician certifications, plus specialty credentials like fiber optics.
- ISCET offers the Certified Electronics Technician (CET) at associate and journeyman levels.
- IPC offers soldering and assembly certifications used in electronics manufacturing.
- FCC GROL is required or preferred for some radio and communications jobs.
Specializations and where they lead
- Industrial electronics and controls technician. Work on PLCs, motor drives and automated systems in factories.
- Communications technician. Install and repair radio, telecom and network equipment.
- Biomedical equipment technician. Maintain medical devices in hospitals. Certifications like the CBET from AAMI are available with experience.
- Avionics technician. Work on aircraft electronics, which has its own training and FCC requirements.
- Field service engineer or lead tech. Travel to customer sites to install and repair equipment, or lead a team of techs.
How to choose an electronics technician school
The right program gives you strong lab skills and helps you get hired. Ask these questions:
- How much lab time is included? Ask how much time you will spend building and troubleshooting circuits.
- What test equipment will I use? Look for oscilloscopes, meters and modern diagnostic tools.
- Does the program cover digital electronics, PLCs and networking? These skills are in demand.
- Which certifications does it prepare me for? Ask about ETA, ISCET and IPC.
- Is the school accredited, and is it eligible for federal financial aid (FAFSA)? Ask about the total cost.
- Does the school partner with local employers? Internships and employer ties can lead to jobs.
- What job placement help do you offer? Ask where recent graduates work.
