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Electronic Home Entertainment Equipment Repairers

TRENDS

Electronic home entertainment has improved both in the variety and quality 
of the equipment available.  It used to be that a television set and a 
radio or two were the household norm. Now video cameras, stereo sound 
systems, compact disc players, wireless telephones, answering machines, 
and home security systems are common. Because the prices for these items 
have decreased in recent years while overall product quality and 
reliability have improved, many consumer electronic products in use seldom 
need servicing.  Instead of repairing a damaged item, owners may find it 
more economical or convenient to buy another.  When repairs or checkups are 
necessary, the equipment is usually taken to the service departments of 
consumer electronics and home appliance stores and electronic home 
equipment specialty shops.  They also may be shipped to centrally located 
service centers by the customer or by the local repair shop. 


THE JOB

ELECTRONIC HOME ENTERTAINMENT EQUIPMENT REPAIRERS, also called service 
technicians, install, service, and repair a wide variety of electrical and 
audio and video equipment.  That may include television receivers; radios 
of all types; stereo components like recorders, speakers, amplifiers and 
tuners; electronic musical instruments; video laser disc and audio compact 
disc players; home burglar and fire alarm systems; telephones and pagers; 
and video game machines. Some service technicians may specialize in one 
kind of equipment while others repair many types.

Most customers bring small units into the repair service center to save the 
expense of a service call. However, field technicians usually go to the 
customer's home or business to repair large television and audio 
installations. They check and evaluate each possible cause of trouble. 
Defective parts, loose or broken connections, and faulty circuits are 
common problems. Technicians usually carry (in their truck or van) an 
assortment of solid-state components, modules, and other parts, and can 
easily complete many simple or routine jobs in the field. If the repair 
work is on a television set, they also adjust the controls to obtain the 
best possible picture and audio balance. 

If the repair can't be completed in the field, the technician prepares a 
repair cost estimate and takes the unit back to the shop for servicing by 
bench technicians. They check the item thoroughly, using test equipment 
such as oscilloscopes, signal and color-bar generators, and voltmeters, and 
frequently consult wiring and schematic diagrams and service manuals. In 
doing their work, they use such hand tools as soldering and de-soldering 
irons, needle nose pliers, wire cutters, and wrenches of all types.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Service technicians work in many places, from small owner-operated repair 
shops to large service centers such as those found in major consumer 
electronics and audio-video stores and factory service centers. They 
usually work independently and get little direct supervision. Bench 
technicians in the repair service centers generally are stationed at work 
stations that have good lighting and modern testing equipment. Field 
service technicians do a great deal of driving and may need to work in 
cramped or inconvenient spaces. Technicians face hazards such as electrical 
shocks and burns in testing and repairing equipment and strains from 
lifting and carrying heavy equipment.

Technicians may have to furnish their own hand tools, costing from $100 to 
$200 and up. Employers usually provide the more expensive tools, testing 
equipment, and service vehicles.

Unionization among service technicians varies according to employer size 
and geographic location. Very few small repair service centers are 
unionized. Some large repair service centers, especially factory service 
centers, are covered by contracts with unions like the International 
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The following information is from the California Projections of Employment 
published by the Labor Market Information Division.

Estimated number of workers in 1993                    4,320
Estimated number of workers in 2005                    4,190
Projected Growth 1993-2005                               -3%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005          1,310

(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)

Changes in the nature of the service technician's job have resulted from 
the introduction of new products and systems. The mechanical and electrical 
aspects of the work have become less important and thorough knowledge of 
electronics theory is now essential. Technicians who keep up with the rapid 
changes and technological advances in products and equipment should enjoy 
steady work and job security, since the demand for repair services usually 
continues even during times of economic downturn. 

CETS (Certified Electronics Technicians) have a better chance of finding 
employment and employers are likely to pay them more per hour. 
Certification can be obtained by taking a test given by the International 
Society of Certified Electronics Technicians. In some areas, employers 
report a shortage of experienced technicians qualified to repair video 
cassette recorders, laser disc players, and video cameras. More qualified 
technicians are needed due to increases in the number of units sold and 
because of the availability of more sophisticated equipment. Trained but 
inexperienced applicants, however, will face keen competition for entry-
level jobs.


WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

The median wage for Electronic Home Entertainment Equipment Repairers in 
California is $15.56 per hour.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

Most employers require service technicians to be at least high school 
graduates who have a thorough knowledge of electrical and electronics 
theory, schematic reading and troubleshooting. A solid background in 
mathematics (especially algebra), physics, chemistry, and mechanical 
drawing are also very important requirements for this occupation. 
Technicians must have from two to five years of up-to-date experience in 
repairing electronic home entertainment equipment to be considered fully 
qualified.

Some employers will hire inexperienced applicants if they have completed 
the required courses in electronics theory and electronic equipment 
repair, such as those offered by technical schools and community colleges. 
A few technicians enter the craft through the formal four-year 
apprenticeship program sponsored by shops belonging to the California State 
Electronics Association.

Service technicians should have good, correctable vision and color 
perception to inspect, repair, and install small electronic parts and 
circuits; good hearing to diagnose problems by sound; manual dexterity; 
the strength to lift heavy equipment; and a valid California driver's 
license. Field technicians, in particular, should have a neat appearance 
and be tactful in their dealings with customers. Good oral and written 
communication skills are important. Some employers look for technicians 
with sales skills to interest customers in buying service contracts or 
other merchandise. Others require that employees be bondable.


ADVANCEMENT

Experienced Electronic Home Entertainment Equipment Repairers most often 
receive promotions in the form of salary increases. In larger shops, 
however, technicians who possess up-to-date knowledge of electronics and 
repair practices may advance to supervisor or service manager or to qualify 
for jobs as computer and office machine repairers. Certified Electronic 
Technicians will have a competitive edge toward promotional opportunities.


FINDING THE JOB

Electronic Home Entertainment Equipment Repairers usually find work by 
applying directly to employers. Also, unions, the Workforce Services Offices of 
the California Employment Development Department, employment agencies, and 
vocational schools frequently refer applicants to firms that are hiring. 
The California State Electronics Association provides information about 
apprenticeship programs. Newspaper classified advertising is an additional 
source of information.


ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

California State Electronics Association 
7200 Fair Oaks Boulevard
Carmichael, CA 95608
(916) 482-2569

Electronics Technicians Association
604 North Jackson
Greencastle, IN 46135
(317) 653-8262
http://eta-sda.com/

International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians
2708 West Berry Street, Suite 3
Fort Worth, TX 76109
(817) 921-9101

RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Electrical & Electronics Engineering Techs.             No. 60

OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed.,1991)
Radio Repairer                                     720.281-010
Television & Radio Repairer                        720.281-018
Electronic Equipment Repairer                      726.381-014
Audio-Video Repairer                               729.281-010
Television Installer                               823.361-010

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Electronic Home Entertainment Equipment 
      Repairers                                         857080


Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department,
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
         (916) 262-2162