Electronics

Why a Career in Electronics?

Do you like gaming? Are you into computers? Fascinated by robotics? Do you always have the latest cell phone? Electronics play an enormous role in nearly every industry sector, from aviation to entertainment; from healthcare to communications. Each of these industries has a need for specialized electronic equipment – and jobs exist to create, maintain, and repair that equipment. As new advances are made, the electronics that run those technologies must be updated. For example, the movement from copper cable to fiber optic cable in the communications industry has provided thousands of jobs for fiber optics specialists who are converting older systems to the newer, faster technology.

Electronics jobs exist across many different industries, so it’s possible to combine more than one of your interests into a successful and fulfilling career.

Learn More:
What are the types of jobs?
What are the salaries like?
Where can I learn more?
How do I get started?

What Kinds of Jobs Exist in Electronics?

Electronics Technicians: Use knowledge of electronics to test and modify existing electronic systems, machinery, or circuitry. Usually works under an electrical engineer or engineering staff.

Electronics Assemblers: Assemble electronic equipment using techniques such as micro-welding, wiring, rivets, or bolts. Read and interpret drawings and instructions to ensure specifications are met. Pack finished items for transport.

Fiber Optics Technicians: Build, install, test and maintain optical and fiber-optic equipment such as lasers or energy measurement devices.

Electronics Repairers: Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.

Electrical Drafters: Use computer-aided design programs to develop specifications and instructions for installing voltage transformers, overhead or underground cables, and related electrical equipment.

Robotics Technician: Build, install, test, and maintain robotic equipment or automated production systems.

Electro-Mechanical Technician: Operate, test, and maintain unmanned, automated, servo-mechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May assist engineers in testing or designing automated equipment or robotics.

Electrical Engineers: Design, build, test or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, or scientific use.

Medical Equipment Repairers: Test, adjust, or repair biomedical or electro-medical equipment and machines.

Source: http://online.onetcenter.org/

What Salary Level is Possible?

Entry Level: Assemblers and Repairers: $24,700 - $48,000 annually
Mid Level: Technicians and Drafters: $42,120 - $69,409 annually
Advanced Level: Engineers and Managers: $73,300 - $114,800 annually

Sources:
http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/OccGuides
http://www.careerinfonet.org

Resources and Articles: Electronics

Career OneStop: National website that provides labor market and occupational profiles.  Use "Topics A to Z" Site Search box to search careers in electronics.

Electronics Career Profile: From the California Labor Market Information website

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.: A professional association offering student memberships for professional networking, as well as resources for electronics and engineering students

American Society for Engineering Education: A professional association committed to education in engineering and technology.  Offer student membership and news and resources related to engineering.

Electronics Technicians Association, International: A professional association for electronics technicians.

Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS): A non-profit organization that promotes the exploration of careers in electronics and engineering at the high school level. Offers scholarships, student competitions, and career information

American Society of Certified Engineering Technicians: A professional association that offers student memberships for professional networking, along monthly newsletters and industry events.

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Prepare yourself for college coursework and jobs in Electronics by considering the following high school courses:

  • Mathematics: geometry, algebra, calculus
  • Computer Science
  • Auto Mechanics
  • Drafting
  • Introduction to AutoCAD
  • Electronics

You might also get involved in extracurricular clubs and activities such as engineering or robotics clubs or Science Olympiad, if they are available at your school.