Career comparison
Electronics Assembler vs. Industrial Electronics Repairer
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Industrial electronics repairers earn more at the median ($74,090 vs. $45,850), while electronics assemblers usually get to work faster (A few months on the job of training). Electronics assemblers assemble circuit boards, wire harnesses and electronic devices. Industrial electronics repairers repair the electronic controls that run industrial machines.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Electronics Assembler | Industrial Electronics Repairer | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $45,850 ($22.04/hr) | $74,090 ($35.62/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $35,350 – $62,950 | $46,840 – $105,590 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +5.0% (faster than average) | +0.3% (little or no change) |
| Openings per year | 25,900 | 4,700 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training time | A few months on the job | Training program plus a year or more on the job |
| Key credential | IPC J-STD-001 | ETA Certified Electronics Technician |
| Work setting | Assemblers work in electronics factories and clean benches.. | Repairers work in factories, repair shops and field service.. |
What each job does
Electronics Assembler
- Solder components
- Build wire harnesses
- Assemble products
- Read drawings
- Test assemblies
Industrial Electronics Repairer
- Troubleshoot control systems
- Repair circuit boards
- Replace components
- Test PLCs and drives
- Calibrate equipment
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work and indoor work. Both are part of the mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose electronics assembler if…
- I like electronics
- I have steady hands
- I’m detail-oriented
Choose industrial electronics repairer if…
- I like electronics
- I solve logic puzzles
- I stay calm when lines are down
Still torn? Take the Electronics Assembler fit quiz and the Industrial Electronics Repairer fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, electronics assembler or industrial electronics repairer?
Industrial Electronics Repairers earn more at the median: $74,090 versus $45,850 for electronics assemblers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Electronics Assemblers typically train faster (A few months on the job) than industrial electronics repairers (Training program plus a year or more on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects electronics assemblers to grow +5.0% from 2025–35, compared with +0.3% for industrial electronics repairers.