Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles

SOC code 49-2096 · O*NET-SOC 49-2096.00 · Medium preparation needed · Skilled trades

Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$48,420

a year

Hourly

$23.28

per hour

10th$35,590Median$48,42090th$70,170

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$51,560

$24.79 per hour

Middle 50%

$43,310 – $58,500

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$35,590 – $70,170

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

8,550

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $35,590; $17.11/hr
25th percentile: $43,310; $20.82/hr
Median percentile: $48,420; $23.28/hr
75th percentile: $58,500; $28.12/hr
90th percentile: $70,170; $33.74/hr

What do electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles do?

Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Estimate costs of repairs, based on parts and labor charges.
Install equipment and accessories, such as stereos, navigation equipment, communication equipment, and security systems.
Inspect and test electrical or electronic systems to locate and diagnose malfunctions, using visual inspections and testing instruments, such as oscilloscopes and voltmeters.
Diagnose or repair problems with electronic equipment, such as sound, navigation, communication, and security equipment, in motor vehicles.
Confer with customers to determine the nature of malfunctions.
Record results of diagnostic tests.
Splice wires with knives or cutting pliers, and solder connections to fixtures and equipment.
Run new speaker and electrical cables.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold post-secondary certificate — 47% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Post-Secondary Certificate47%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)45%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree4%
Less than a High School Diploma2%

Common questions

How much does an electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles earn?

The national median is $48,420 a year. The full range runs from $35,590 at the 10th percentile to $70,170 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become an electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking3.5/5
Active Listening3.4/5
Reading Comprehension3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Mechanical4.1/5
Computers and Electronics4.0/5
Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
Mathematics3.6/5
English Language3.3/5
Engineering and Technology3.2/5
Education and Training3.1/5
Administration and Management2.9/5

Transferable strengths: Troubleshooting, Repairing, Operations Monitoring, Installation, Equipment Maintenance, Complex Problem Solving.