Supply Chain & Transportation · Maintenance & Repair

Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

Electrical and electronics installers and repairers for transportation equipment install, maintain, and repair the complex wiring and electronic systems in aircraft, trains, ships, and other vehicles. It is hands-on, in demand, and you can start with a certificate. Here is what the work involves and how to get in.

Median pay
$84,890
per year
Job outlook
+6%
faster than average
Typical education
Certificate
no four-year degree
Preparation
Medium
Job Zone 3

Ready to map your path to this career?

Pathly builds you a free, personalized roadmap and helps your counselor champion you along the way.

Build my roadmap

What an electrical and electronic installer and repairer, transportation equipment does

You install, test, and repair electrical and electronic systems that power transportation equipment like aircraft, trains, and ships. Your day involves inspecting wiring and components for damage, controlling machinery during installation and repairs, and solving problems when systems malfunction. You read technical diagrams and specifications, communicate with supervisors and teammates about progress and issues, and handle tools and equipment with precision. You stay current on safety protocols because working with electrical systems and transportation equipment carries real risk. Attention to detail keeps both you and the equipment safe.

Core work activities

Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Salary and job outlook

Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment earn a median of $84,890 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.

Lowest 10%$50,750
Median$84,890
Highest 10%$116,810

The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations, with about 600 openings a year.

Skills and knowledge you need

Top skills

  • Critical thinking
  • Active listening
  • Monitoring
  • Reading comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Writing

Knowledge areas

  • Engineering and technology
  • Computers and electronics
  • Mathematics
  • Public safety and security
  • Mechanical
  • Design

How to become an electrical and electronic installer and repairer, transportation equipment

Most positions require a certificate in electrical installation, electronics repair, or a related field. You will study engineering, electronics, mathematics, and safety standards in a structured program. Many programs include hands-on lab work so you can practice before entering the field. Some employers hire candidates with a high school diploma and provide on-the-job training, though a certificate strengthens your prospects. Look for programs at community colleges, trade schools, or through union apprenticeships. Job Zone 3 preparation means you will need some technical knowledge and problem-solving ability before you start.

Certificate programs and apprenticeships are both common entry routes, so if you are deciding between them, Pathly can map the electrical and electronic installer and repairer, transportation equipment path that fits you and work through your options with your counselor.

Certifications and licensing

You do not need a license to work as an electrical and electronic installer and repairer, transportation equipment, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.

Common certifications

CORE
HVACR
National Center for Construction Education and Research
CORE
Electric Vehicle Fundamentals
Society of Manufacturing Engineers
ADVANCED
Traffic Signal Senior Field Technician Level III
International Municipal Signal Association
SPECIALTY
Certified Electronics Technician - Journeyman-Level - Radar
International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians
PRODUCT/EQUIPMENT
Electronic Systems Installation 1
Smart Automation Certification Alliance
Certification and licensing data provided by CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOLETA) and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

Is this a good fit for you?

You are drawn to hands-on work with machines and systems. You think in practical, concrete terms and enjoy solving real problems with tools and technology.

Explore a career as an electrical and electronic installer and repairer, transportation equipment with Pathly

Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.

1
Discover who you are

Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.

2
Explore what fits

Your free AI guide weighs this career against your strengths and goals, and surfaces the colleges, trades, and scholarships that match, so you know if it truly fits before you commit.

3
Build your roadmap

Get a personalized, step-by-step plan to reach this career, with the training, coursework, and credentials tracked in one place. Link your school or IEC and your counselor in the loop.

Build my roadmap for free

Related careers

Last updated July 1, 2026.

Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).