Electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles

Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.

AI Resistance Index 36 of 99

Changing faster than most: more resilient than 36% of the 831 careers we score. AI exposure is low (the Bureau of Labor Statistics rates it moderate), and US jobs are projected to change by -14.5% by 2035, expected to shrink. The work leans on physical dexterity and creative vision.

AI struggles with much of this work. Hiring is expected to grow slower than average, or to shrink.

Median pay (2025): $48,420
Job growth to 2035: -14.5%
Openings a year: 400
People doing it (2025): 8,600
Usual route in: High school diploma, then moderate on-the-job training

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Where people already use AI for this work

Connect components or supply lines to equipment or tools
Test performance of equipment or systems
Document technical designs, procedures, or activities

From Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025).

Work AI rarely helps with

Repair electrical or electronic equipment
Inspect commercial, industrial, or production systems or equipment
Install commercial or production equipment

What the work looks like

Estimate costs of repairs, based on parts and labor charges.
Install equipment and accessories, such as stereos, navigation equipment, communication equipment, and security systems.
Inspect and test electrical or electronic systems to locate and diagnose malfunctions, using visual inspections and testing instruments, such as oscilloscopes and voltmeters.
Diagnose or repair problems with electronic equipment, such as sound, navigation, communication, and security equipment, in motor vehicles.
Confer with customers to determine the nature of malfunctions.

From O*NET 31.0, US Department of Labor.

What the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects

Fewer of these jobs, as electronic features are expected to grow increasingly proprietary across vehicle manufacturers' offerings. This may lead to diminished demand for repair services because of lack of compatibility of replacement components across a variety of factory systems.
Fewer of these jobs, as electronic features are expected to grow increasingly proprietary and standardized across vehicle manufacturers' offerings. This may lead to diminished demand for repair services because of lack of compatibility of replacement components across a variety of factory systems.

Careers using similar strengths, with a stronger outlook

Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipmentHuman edge, steady, Index 37, +0.3%
Locksmiths and safe repairersHuman edge, steady, Index 54, -11.7%
Commercial diversHuman edge, growing, Index 97, +4.8%
Electric motor, power tool, and related repairersHuman edge, growing, Index 88, +4.4%

Also known as: Auto Tech (Automotive Technician), Car Stereo Installer, Electronic Technician, Installer, Car Alarm Installer, Car Electronics Installer, Electronic Equipment Installer, Installation Technician.

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Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025 to 2035; O*NET 31.0; Microsoft Research (2025); Anthropic Economic Index (2026); Eloundou and colleagues (Science, 2024); Felten, Raj and Seamans (2023). How we score. Updated 12 October 2026.