Electronics Technician
Engineering Technology
Apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of electrical, electronics and communication engineers.
What Electronics Technicians Do
Apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of electrical, electronics and communication engineers.
Common Tasks
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
- 1Inspect and test equipment and circuits to identify malfunctions or defects, using wiring diagrams and testing devices such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, or ammeters.
- 2Prepare and maintain records detailing tests, repairs, and maintenance.
- 3Consult manuals, schematics, wiring diagrams, and engineering personnel to troubleshoot and solve equipment problems and to determine optimum equipment functioning.
- 4Analyze test data to diagnose malfunctions, to determine performance characteristics of systems, or to evaluate effects of system modifications.
- 5Open and close switches to isolate defective relays, performing adjustments or repairs.
What You'll Learn
Types of Electronics Technicians
Work Environment
Locations
- • Manufacturing plants
- • Electronics repair and test labs
- • Aerospace and defense facilities
- • Power plants and electrical substations
- • Engineering and R&D offices
Schedule
Most roles follow a regular weekday schedule, but jobs supporting production, flight testing, or utility operations may include overtime, on-call shifts, or variable hours under time pressure.
Physical Demands
Work is often a mix of bench work and computer time, with frequent fine hand use for tools, probes, and small components. Some roles require standing, lifting test equipment, and occasional climbing or field work (especially in utilities or industrial settings).
Salary & Job Outlook
National Employment: 178,800 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
Demand can rise as more equipment in aerospace, utilities, manufacturing, and communications relies on electronics that must be tested, maintained, and calibrated. Upgrades to automation, sensors, and power systems also create ongoing troubleshooting and repair work.
Skills You'll Need
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Strong pay potential in specialized sectors (utilities, aerospace, instrumentation)
- • Hands-on problem solving with measurable results
- • Skills transfer across many industries
- • Opportunities to specialize (test, calibration, controls, avionics)
- • Clear pathways to technologist or engineering-support roles
Cons
- • High time pressure when equipment is down or tests are on a deadline
- • Troubleshooting can be repetitive and detail-heavy
- • Some jobs involve shift work, travel, or on-call duty
- • Exposure to electrical hazards requires strict safety practices
- • Keeping up with new tools, standards, and technology is ongoing
Common Questions About the Electronics Technician Trade
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