what is an electronics technician?
Electronics technicians are essential service providers as the world becomes more dependent on electronic systems. These experts work on small electronics, such as phones and complex systems. Due to their skills, they work in all industry sectors, including transportation and power generation, ensuring electronic systems work as required. As an electronics technician, your work varies according to your skill set. You can work in electronic system design, development, installation, testing and running systems diagnostics. You also perform maintenance tasks and repair damaged electronics.
As an electronics technician, you are an installation, maintenance and repair service provider. You are also a sales agent for businesses that manufacture and sell electronics. Other industries you can work in include manufacturing companies, research laboratories and professional services.
Electronics technicians also work in transportation, power generation, communication and utilities for real estate industries. Your basic responsibility is to ensure that all electronic systems work as required. You can work as an installation, maintenance and repair specialist in different companies.
find your jobaverage electronics technician salary
According to Payscale, electronics technicians earn a median salary of ₹296,250 per year. With minimal experience and qualifications, you start with a salary of ₹135,000 annually. Experienced electronics technicians take home higher salaries of over ₹640,000 per year.
what factors affect the salary of an electronics technician?
The earnings of an electronics technician vary based on skills and expertise. Early in your career, you start with a lower salary since you have minimal experience. As you improve your expertise and perfect your maintenance skills, you are likely to earn more. Your qualifications also influence your earnings. Advancing your qualifications impacts your salary positively.
The industry you work in also influences your earnings. Some industries have complex tasks and require additional expertise. For example, the complexity of the projects you work on in the aerospace, energy and telecommunications industries improve your earnings significantly. The size of the company can also boost your salary. Working for large companies with unlimited resources improves your earning potential. Besides, large companies have complex projects that require specialisation or additional expertise.
types of electronics technicians
The types of electronics technicians depend on the industry and area of specialisation. Some include:
- computer electronics technicians: you design or install computer-based electronic systems in various settings. For instance, you design and install automated teller machines, business mainframes, servers or auxiliary computer components.
- biomedical electronics technicians: you service and maintain hospital equipment, like blood pressure units and patient monitors. You also repair equipment used in life support systems, like defibrillators and breathing apparatus.
working as an electronics technician
If you're passionate about electronics and solving technical issues, consider becoming an electronics technician. Let's explore the specific duties, work environments and job outlook of the role.
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electronics technician job description
The responsibilities of electronics technicians vary depending on where they work. For instance, working in the manufacturing sector differs from a job in maintenance. Some typical tasks include:
- participating in the development of electronics: you work under the supervision of electronics engineers during production. Some of your duties include drafting product designs and translating blueprints for electronic systems. You are responsible for sourcing all electronic parts and equipment. You also assemble and calibrate electronic system prototypes.
- testing prototypes: once you develop a system, you test it to ensure it's working correctly to meet safety and performance standards. You install the required equipment for performance evaluation and inspection. You also modify these systems to correct faults and reassemble the units. It is important to document any design problems and advise your superiors on possible solutions.
- installing electronic systems: you are responsible for installing electronic systems correctly. This task involves carrying out surveys and installing the systems in line with the set policies and regulations. You also calibrate the equipment and use technical drawings to ensure systems are correctly installed and functional.
- maintaining electronic systems: your job is to keep electronic systems running as efficiently as possible, running frequent diagnostics on installed systems. In the event of faults, you identify the cause and repair or replace the damaged parts as necessary. You also keep a log of maintenance tasks to ensure a preventive maintenance schedule is implemented in the future.
- advising on electronic systems: due to your technical expertise, you are sometimes hired by wholesalers and retailers dealing with electronic products. You advise potential customers on electronic systems, including their maintenance and installation. Electronics technicians generally work with colleagues during product design and development. In such instances, your input and skills are important.
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work environment
The typical work environment of an electronics technician changes depending on the project. You usually work in office environments during product design and in labs or factories during development. Sometimes, you install electronic systems outdoors and travel to worksites. This highly interactive occupation involves working in teams and under the guidance of electronics engineers. The success of projects relies on the level of consultation with fellow technicians and supervisors.
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who are your colleagues?
As an electronics technician, you work with various professionals, including mechanical technicians, mechanical engineers and maintenance engineers. You collaborate with electrical engineers and electrical technicians when performing repairs and maintenance tasks. You are also likely to work with service managers and operations managers.
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work schedule
As an electronics technician in the public sector, you work 41 to 43 hours a week. You also work weekends and bank holidays to cover emergencies. On the other hand, if you are employed in the private sector, you work on a shift basis. In this case, the number of hours you work depends on your employer's schedule. For instance, your schedule may include lengthy production hours and shorter inspection times. In such scenarios, you work overtime to meet tight deadlines.
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job outlook
Working as an electronics technician prepares you for specialised roles in various industries. Most electronics technicians proceed to electronics engineer roles or explore other career options in computer engineering or transport engineering. With experience, you can also become a project team leader or a quality control manager.
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advantages of finding an electronics technician job through randstad
Finding your electronics technician job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid on a monthly basis
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an electronics technician is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
If you want to become an electronics technician in India, complete an electronics engineering course. When you complete 10+2, apply for admission to an electronics engineering college and pursue a bachelor's in electronics engineering. You are eligible for a degree course after completing 12th grade and scoring a minimum of 60% score in physics, chemistry and maths (PCM). You choose between a B.Tech, a four-year course, and a BSc in electronics, a three-year course. Some colleges have entrance exams like the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) or the Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test (BITSAT).
Alternatively, pursue a diploma in electronics engineering after Year 10. For a diploma in electronics engineering, you should complete your 10th examination in mathematics and science stream. Some colleges in India also require applicants to pass an entrance examination from a recognised board.
electronics technician skills and competencies
Electronic systems are complex, and the following skills are necessary to boost your chances of success in this profession:
- mechanical skills: you need mechanical skills to repair faulty electronic systems. These include using diagnostic equipment, disassembling electronic units, troubleshooting, repairing, assembling and installing electronic systems.
- electronics engineering principles and applications: it is important to be well versed in electronic systems because you're responsible for implementing them to the correct safety standards. You read and translate technical system designs or reports, and you build, install and maintain electronic systems. Those who work in computer industries should be knowledgeable in programming languages and computer software.
- communication skills: since this is a highly interactive profession, you require good communication skills to succeed. Electronics technicians usually interact with team members, especially during project design and development. You should express yourself clearly and participate effectively in brainstorming activities.
- problem-solving skills: electronics technicians are problem solvers who help create and maintain efficient electronic systems. Therefore, you should be good at inspecting your work, identifying potential problems and finding solutions.
- basic programming skills: as an electronics technician, you require basic programming skills to work on devices with microcontrollers and programmable logic controllers. Understanding the programming language helps you repair or reset electronic systems.
FAQs about working as an electronics technician
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of an electronics technician.
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what are the duties of an electronics technician?
As an electronics technician, you repair and maintain various electrical systems. When electronic equipment or system malfunctions, you troubleshoot and repair it to ensure it is in safe working order. You use various instruments to diagnose defects and test the functionality of electrical systems.
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what is the salary of an electronics technician in India?
Electronics technicians take home an average salary of ₹296,250 per year. The earnings depend on your experience and qualifications. In an entry-level role, you start with a salary of ₹135,000 annually. The most experienced electronics technician usually takes home over ₹640,000 per year.
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what is the difference between an electronics engineer and a technician?
Electronics engineers specialise in designing electronic equipment. They build the electronics by coming up with designs that solve user problems. On the other hand, an electronics technician handles electronic equipment already in the market. You assist users with the installation of the electronic components. You also perform maintenance and repair tasks on electronic equipment.
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where do electronics technicians work?
As an electronics technician, you work with electronic equipment and systems. Since you are skilled in electronics, you work in diverse companies that design or use electronic equipment and systems. For instance, in telecommunications, you install and repair complex electronic equipment, while in manufacturing, you repair and assemble production machinery. You can also work in healthcare or energy companies.
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what are the qualities of a good electronics technician?
A good electronics technician requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot issues in electronics. You also require sound knowledge of health and safety regulations to avoid accidents and injuries during repairs.
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how do I apply for an electronics technician vacancy?
Applying for an electronics technician job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!