Electrical and Electronic Technicians
| Description |
OES Code: 22505 |
Perform tasks that are essential to the development, manufacture, modification, and maintenance of a wide range of products and equipment.
Wages, California
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$14.51 |
| 25th Percentile |
$16.57 |
| 50th Percentile |
$21.33 |
| 75th Percentile |
$26.77 |
Wages, San Joaquin County
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$15.25 |
| 25th Percentile |
$16.34 |
| 50th Percentile |
$19.68 |
| 75th Percentile |
$26.77 |
Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey
Hours & Benefits
The standard workweek is usually 40 hours, Monday through Friday. However, technicians may work swing and night shifts and earn up to an additional 10 to 15 percent as a shift premium. Field Service Technicians occasionally may be called during off-duty hours and then are paid time and one-half, or double time for holidays.
Fringe benefits usually include major holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, and health and life insurance plans. Some employers also offer profit-sharing, stock purchase plans, and bonus programs. Protective clothing, if required, is supplied by the employer.
Employment Trends, California
| Employment 1998 |
451,100 |
| Projected Employment 2008 |
62,000 |
| Percent Change 1998-2008 |
21.3% |
| Separations 1998-2008 |
11,600 |
Employment Trends by California County
Working Conditions
Most electronics manufacturing plants are modern, air-conditioned buildings which offer a pleasant working environment. Technicians perform their work in various locations: the engineering or prototype department, main production area, quality control department, laboratory, or at their own workbenches. Some may be exposed to hazards from equipment, chemicals or toxic materials. Due to the delicate nature of many electronic products, technicians may perform much of their work in clean rooms in which the temperature, humidity, and dust content of the air are carefully controlled.
Advancement
Electronics Technicians who demonstrate skill and leadership ability may be promoted to lead-level and supervisory-level positions. Those who continue their formal education and earn at least a bachelor degree may advance to a wide range of professional engineering positions.
Getting the Job & Other Information
Applicants for technician positions should contact employers directly, register with their school's placement office, and respond to want ads in local newspapers and trade journals. In addition, employers frequently list their openings with the Job Service offices of the California Employment Development Department.
For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank. |
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Many of California's community colleges offer degree programs in electronics technology, as well as courses in related subjects. Technicians who work on radio transmission equipment are required to obtain a radio-telephone operator's license issued by the Federal Communications Commission. They may prepare for this license at most community colleges, or through home-study courses. A four-year Electronics Technician apprenticeship program run by the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards, is in effect in various locations throughout California.
Skills & Other Requirements
Technicians should be detail-minded and have the initiative to work independently much of the time. They should be able to work from schematic diagrams, sketches, and verbal instructions. Good communication skills, both oral and written, are necessary, since reports and verbal explanations are usually part of the job. Other important traits are manual dexterity, good vision, and color perception.
References
California Occupational Guide #60
Related Occupations: Data Processing Equipment Repairers, Electronics Repairers, Instrumentation Technicians
Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP) |
