Industrial electronics technicians work in factories or other industrial settings, where they service manufacturing equipment by performing general maintenance, inspections, necessary repairs, and troubleshooting tasks. Industrial electronics technicians train for this career by completing an associate's degree program in industrial electrical technology, or by apprenticing in the field, which gives candidates valuable entry-level experience.
Essential Information
An industrial electronics technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing electronic manufacturing equipment in factories or other industrial facilities. An in-depth knowledge of electronics and electrical equipment is necessary for this job and can be acquired through an apprenticeship or formal education. A professional certification may be required by some employers.
| Required Education | Completion of an apprenticeship or an associate's degree program in industrial electrical technology |
| Certification Levels | Associate level and journeyman level |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 2% (Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians) |
| Median Annual Salary (May 2020)* | $67,550 (Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians) |
Source: *United States Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job Description of an Industrial Electronics Technician
An industrial electronics technician maintains and repairs the electronic equipment used in manufacturing facilities, such as PC-based controllers, air conditioning and heating systems, boilers, and conveyors. They may be responsible for installing, inspecting, and improving the efficiency in equipment as well.
Job Duties for an Industrial Electronics Technician
Industrial electronics technicians install electronic equipment using various power tools and machinery, including drill presses, pipe threaders, grinders, hoists, measuring devices, and testing equipment. They inspect and maintain existing equipment using similar tools, such as voltmeters and PC-based diagnostic software. This may require analysis and troubleshooting of complex problems. Industrial electronics technicians may also replace existing equipment based on age, operation, and functionality.
Career Requirements for an Industrial Electronics Technician
Certification may be required by employers and is offered through a variety of organizations such as the Electronics Technicians Association (ETA). The organization offers more than 50 certifications that help individuals in their chosen career path. Certification is earned by passing an exam, and applicants can prepare for the exam through self-study. In order to qualify for journeyman level certification, applicants must first earn the associate level certification.
A degree or diploma may be required by an employer to further career advancement. An associate's degree in industrial electrical technology may include courses in microprocessors and microcontrollers, industrial electricity, programmable controllers, and electrical systems troubleshooting.
Employers typically require field experience, and an apprenticeship is an excellent way to gain entry-level experience. The U.S. Department of Labor oversees the Registered Apprenticeship program, which offers apprenticeships appropriate to this field.
Salary Info and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, www.bls.gov), the mean annual salary earned by electrical and electronic engineering technicians, the category under which industrial electronics technicians fall, was $68,310 in May 2020. The employment of such technicians is expected have slower than average growth between 2019 and 2029, per the BLS.
Industrial electronics technicians have to be familiar with a range of equipment to perform their duties, such as specialized diagnostic software, pipe threaders, and drill presses. Some employers require technicians to hold professional certification as well, which is obtained after an individual passes an exam.