Certified electronics technicians and technologists (CET) are capable of installing, maintaining, and repairing electronic devices. Their work involves the use of technical manuals and diagrams, assembling components, calibrating measurement and control devices, as well as conducting tests of operating systems. They often consult with manufacturers about product specifications and issues involving performance and reliability. Alternatively, a CET can also pursue a career in sales or marketing of electronic products.
A short list of the many career paths available include work in industrial electronics, microelectronics, assemblers, network engineers, software testers, troubleshooters, and others. In these roles you will work both individually and in groups to keep things running in a variety of businesses and industries. You can expect to be working with the cutting-edge of new equipment as you implement applications for modern operations.
Since working with electronics is a very specialized field, graduates can expect to be in high demand, have opportunities for travel, and to be paid well. Some of the best-paying jobs include the following.
Principal Electrical Engineer ($123,000)
Circuit Design Engineer ($105,000)
Senior Electrical Engineer ($106,000)
Printed Circuit Board Designer ($91,000)
Control Systems Engineer ($90,000)
The national average salary for an electronic technician is currently $72,202 per year. These professionals also have the potential to earn an average of $7,500 per year in overtime pay. Many electronic technicians can earn higher salaries as well, depending on the city where they live.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of people working in these positions could increase by 2% from now through 2030. The BLS states that this growth can likely result from increased integration of electronic systems into other systems and products. They also note that more positions can open as current professionals retire or pursue alternative careers.
Educational requirements require a high school diploma or GED. Some employers may train technicians on-the-job, but most prefer job candidates who have completed formal postgraduate programs. Normally, the first step you can take toward becoming an electronic technician/technologist is to earn an associate degree. This is usually the minimum education requirement for the position and can take about two years to complete. It will involve a combination of classroom learning and hands-on practice. This type of program can also help you develop your soft skills before entering the field, such as your critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills and project management skills.
Following a basic education, students may decide on a field in which they want to specialize such as those mentioned above. Finally, they will want to earn certification in at least one specialty. For example, ETA International offer the Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa) credential. This certification is useful for new electronic technicians, since it covers the basics of the industry and technical skills that can be essential. Earning this certification involves taking a preparatory course, verifying your experience level and passing an exam. There are also more advanced certifications for professionals with more experience in the field, like the Basic Systems Technician (BST) also from ETA International.
Postsecondary career and technical schools that prepare electronic technicians/technologists often earn certifications, too. This ensures that the curriculum and instruction they provide is comprehensive and results in well-qualified graduates. Such schools cannot function properly without the assistance of career school student information software. STARS* is a top-rated example of such a system. It provides a comprehensive set of features that minimizes the need for additional third-party software. STARS runs in the cloud on an IBMi Power 9 server which provides extremely fast response times, 99.99% uptime, and the highest degree of security available.
Click here to learn more about how STARS can help Electronics Technology Schools.
*STARS® is an acronym for Student Tracking and Accounting Records System. This type of software is also referred to as a student management system, career college management system, student information management system, campus management software, school information management system, college management system, student record management system, campus management system, student information system software, online student management software, vocational school management system, etc.
