Early on in life, people usually have a few goals they want to achieve. One of those goals is usually to become successful at whatever career they choose to pursue. People also like being their own boss; financial freedom is also a big draw for many individuals. Others may just want to follow their passions and enjoy what they are doing instead of feeling trapped in a job that leaves them cold. What if I were to tell you, you could be all of these things in one neat little package? You will definitely be interested in the following discussion. Investigate this article if you are considering becoming an automotive electrical technician!
How much money can I make as an automotive electrical technician? Electrical technicians average salaries range from $48,000 to $64,000 annually. Many positions start their workers off in a slightly lower salary range, but those with steady work and good performance can see that range jump up over time. The average annual income of an electrical technician is estimated at being between $55,500 and $63,300 depending on which region the technician works in. Of course there are some technicians who make much more or less than this; it all depends on education level and skill level among other professional factors.
You may be wondering why automotive electrical technicians earn more than similar tradespeople like mechanics (To read about what does a mechanic do visit this page https://www.blossomsgaragerepairandservice.com/what-does-a-mechanic/) . The answer is simple; they have more training. A mechanic may only need a high school diploma and an apprenticeship, whereas electrical technicians will most likely need a formal education in order to qualify for the job.
What types of skills are required to become an automotive electrical technician? Knowledge of the following areas is imperative when it comes to being successful when pursuing this type of career:
Electrical wiring – Most cars now use electric parts instead of older mechanical ones. This means that automotive technicians must be able to wire up any new additions made by manufacturers or aftermarket companies into their vehicles correctly. No one wants faulty parts because if there are defects, they could fail while under way and cause serious damage or even injury to drivers and passengers.
Technician certification – In the United States, technicians are required to pass a state-issued examination in order to become certified for work on vehicles. Employment services often require that their staff be fully certified before they can be hired by employers. This is a good thing because it ensures that automotive electrical technicians are well trained in what they do and have proven themselves capable of being responsible employees at top companies. They also make higher wages as the demand for their services exceeds that of candidates who don't have certifications or licenses to prove their competence.
Certifications can usually be attained through an accredited trade school or vocational program; the average time spent in this type of schooling is around two years with some schools requiring more classes than others. It is preferable to go to an accredited institution because it will ensure that you have learned the appropriate information to pass state-issued exams.
Safety training – Automotive technicians are exposed to many risks in their day-to-day work, such as:
Being injured by malfunctioning equipment Being hurt or killed when working with hazardous materials Risk of electrocution while troubleshooting electrical systems Being burned when working with hot engine parts or fluids
The best way to handle these situations safely is through safety training and certification. By getting certified, automotive technicians can protect themselves from exactly what we've listed here (and more!)
The automotive electrical engineer is a technical individual who has the responsibility for developing new and improved methods to harness electrical power in an automobile. He or she will ensure that all components of the car's electrical system are functioning correctly. Further, he or she will supervise workers who install these systems in automobiles.
An automotive electrical engineer supervises workers who perform tasks such as creating vehicle wiring diagrams, installing door locks, or labeling wires to correspond with component identification numbers for ease of repair. These engineers also perform research on alternators, voltage regulators, starters, electric fuel pumps and other related equipment. In addition to researching new technologies, automotive electrical engineers review technological design changes and meet with company executives to report their findings. The educational requirements for this position are extensive. A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering is required, as well as a three-year apprenticeship period before attaining the title of automotive electrical engineer.
Employment prospects for automotive electrical engineers are expected to decline through 2008, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL). This job growth reflects the increasing use of electronics in automobiles; however, it may be offset by reduced production at manufacturers throughout the country due to market conditions. In addition, companies may feel pressure from consumers who want more environmentally friendly vehicles and will demand that they produce vehicles that run on alternative fuels like hydrogen and electricity rather than gasoline or diesel fuel. As a result, automakers will have to invest heavily in research and development activities for these new technologies, which will delay the production of traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles and reduce employment opportunities in the automotive electrical engineering field.
The USDOL also reports that, although the number of jobs for professional automotive electrical engineers is not expected to increase much, those professionals who do find employment should experience good job prospects. Automotive electrician positions are available at dealerships or repair shops that sell and service automobiles, as well as at auto parts manufacturing facilities. Employment growth in these areas has been steady since 2004, due to new-vehicle sales remaining strong despite increased gas prices.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), half of all employed automotive electricians earned an average salary of $43,350 year in 2008. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $25,180 annually; the highest-paid 10 percent made more than $77,540 annually.
The BLS estimates that only about 3 percent of those employed as automotive electricians are members of a union or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. The auto manufacturers and vehicle dealerships they work for decide their salaries, and those decisions may be affected by legal requirements for how frequently mechanics need to make repairs on vehicles in order to have them deemed “safe” under state or federal rules. For example, all cars must pass required safety inspections before they can be legally driven on public roadways in the U.S., but individual states determine what types of safety violations will necessitate a visit to the mechanic for repairs.
Automotive electricians can find employment working for automobile manufacturers, auto parts manufacturers, dealerships and service centers, or repair shops. In addition to full-time work, these professionals are also able to seek out temporary jobs at motor vehicle manufacturing plants during peak seasons when there is increased demand for vehicles. The BLS estimates that 41 percent of those employed as automotive electricians held multiple jobs in 2008; this high percentage suggests that temporary positions are often available in this field.
The BLS reports that an associate's degree was the minimum educational requirement for 97 percent of all positions classified under this occupation in 2008. A bachelor's degree typically is required to become a professional automotive engineer with responsibility over employees, and some employers even prefer candidates to have a master's degree. Despite the increasing number of auto technicians earning associate's degrees at technical institutes, according to the BLS, there are still many positions that only require on-the-job training.
To become an automotive electrician through most four year programs in this field, students must obtain either an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS). A minimum of 60 semester credits is usually required for these two-year programs, which include courses such as circuit basics, electricity theory and applications, automotive electronics, electronics repair technology and diagnostic systems principles. Courses in algebra or differential equations are often included in curriculums for engineering programs; however, they are optional for associate's degree programs, and usually are not required for entry-level jobs.
Some postsecondary vocational institutions offer automotive apprentice programs that combine both on-the-job learning with classroom instruction, in addition to providing students with associate's degrees. Another way to become an automotive electrician is through a community college or technical school offering certificate programs that last two years and generally require about 40 semester credits to complete. In addition to the credits from the courses students must take as part of these programs, there may be additional requirements for completing internship hours and passing exams in order to obtain certifications related to this field. Certifications can increase job opportunities by getting candidates hired more quickly after they graduate, as some employers may prefer candidates who have earned certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE.)
Both associate's and bachelor's degree programs teach students how to read diagrams, including wiring diagrams, which are written in a language that is similar in style to mathematical formulas. For example, an electrical schematic diagram lists all of the connections between parts in a circuit, just as a vector does with math equations. In both cases, arrows are used to indicate flow direction. Similar structures can be seen on any whiteboard used by electricians. Courses related to automotive electronics may focus more specifically on vehicle-designated systems such as those related to harness routing and machine control circuitry applications.
Many students enrolled in automotive programs learn how to use electronic test equipment at some point during their learning experience. They also may be taught how to use specific diagnostic tools that model actual engine controllers, called electronic control modules. As their careers advance, automotive electricians may take classes in computer-aided technology studies (CAST), which is focused on testing and diagnosing electrical problems with the most commonly used automobile parts.
In general, an associate's degree prepares students for entry-level jobs as either junior technicians or apprentice electricians; a bachelor's degree typically gives candidates the skills they need to become master technicians or certified professional electricians. Master certification usually requires at least four years of experience and passing an examination offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE,) but some states have their own requirements instead of or in addition to this. In order to become a master technician, candidates need hands-on experience performing diagnostic tasks as well as at least six years of work experience.
Although there are some jobs that require an associate's degree or higher, most of the time potential employers may not insist on this level of education. Most automotive electricians work in repair shops where it is common for technicians to receive practical training on the job and receive certification from their employer while they work part-time, although full-time positions are also available in many cases.
Graduates with bachelor's degrees have greater career opportunities than those who complete associate's degree programs; however, these programs give students more options when it comes to deciding which type of automotive industry position they would like to pursue. Some may prefer the opportunity to work on a more unique project, such as designing new automotive systems for prototype vehicles and manufacturing facilities.
Some may also prefer the higher pay and more prestigious position offered by senior roles. The choice is up to each student, but most graduates in either field have little trouble finding work in entry-level mechanic positions as long as they are willing to relocate to a location where jobs exist.
In addition to being able to earn license certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE,) some employees choose to seek certification from other major organizations such as Factory Mutual Engineering Associates Network (FMEAN.) Some employers favor these certifications over others because they show that candidates are committed enough to complete additional training on their own time in order to expand their potential career opportunities.
