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Inspect, diagnose and repair cars and light trucks, including hybrids and EVs.
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Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing career
Car Electronics Installer
Also called: Mobile Electronics Installer · Car Audio Installer · Vehicle Electronics Technician · Remote Start Installer
What car electronics installers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a car electronics installer do?
Electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles, install, diagnose or repair communications, sound, security or navigation equipment in motor vehicles. The median pay is $48,420 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few months on the job, and employment is projected to grow -14.5% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$48,420$23.28/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-14.5%2025–35, a projected decline
- Openings per year400Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to trainA few months on the jobTypical program length
- U.S. jobs8,600Employment, 2025
What car electronics installers do
Car electronics installers upgrade vehicles. They install audio systems, backup cameras, remote starters, security systems, dash cams and fleet tracking devices, wire them into modern vehicle systems and fix installation problems.
A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical. BLS projects a decline as factory systems get more advanced, though fleet and specialty installs continue.
Typical duties
- Install audio systems
- Install cameras and remote starters
- Wire into vehicle systems
- Fabricate custom mounts
- Troubleshoot electronics
- Explain systems to customers
- Install fleet tracking devices
Work environment and schedule
Installers work in electronics shops, dealerships and fleet facilities.
Schedule: Full time, including Saturdays.
A day in the life
- Check in a customer’s truck.
- Remove dash panels.
- Install a remote starter.
- Install a backup camera.
See a full day in the life of a car electronics installer →
Car Electronics Installer salary
Half of car electronics installers earned more than $48,420 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $35,590 for the lowest 10% to $70,170 for the top 10%.
Full car electronics installer pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a car electronics installer
- Finish high school
- Learn basic electronics
- Join a shop
- Earn MECP
- Advance
A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a car electronics installer →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Vehicle wiring
- Audio installation
- Fabrication
- Diagnostics
- Soldering
People skills
- Patience
- Attention to detail
- Customer service
- Creativity
All car electronics installer skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fun, hands-on work
- No degree needed
- Creative custom work
- Customer satisfaction
Cons
- Declining employment
- Tight spaces
- Modest pay
- Complex new vehicles
Certifications and licenses
- MECP: Mobile Electronics Certified Professional.
- Manufacturer training: Brand-specific.
- Soldering certificate: Helpful.
- Fleet telematics training: Helpful.
Career path
- Installer Helper: Entry.
- Installer: Install.
- Lead Installer: Custom work.
- Shop Manager: Run shop.
Learn the job before day one
Our Car Electronics Installer training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as install a remote starter safely and run power wire for an amplifier, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Car Electronics Installer vs. Auto Technician · Car Electronics Installer vs. Auto Glass Technician · Car Electronics Installer vs. Electronics Assembler · Car Electronics Installer vs. AV Technician
Car Electronics Installer FAQ
Is car audio installation still a job?
Yes, though BLS projects decline.
Do I need certification?
MECP is helpful.
Is there fleet work?
Yes, fleet tracking installs are common.
How much does a car electronics installer make?
The median annual wage for car electronics installers was $48,420 ($23.28 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $35,590 and the highest 10% earned more than $70,170.
How long does it take to become a car electronics installer?
Most people need about A few months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a car electronics installer?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More car electronics installer questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 49-2096 (Electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.