Sector

Electronics Repair Careers

Electronics repair fixes computers, phones, and devices — a service sector adapting to disposable technology culture. Some hybrid work possible for diagnostics and software.

101K
U.S. jobs
In this sector
$63K
Median salary
Across all roles
Electronics Repair jobs by metro area
Bubble size = total employment
Electronics Repair employment by metro · ~276 areas

Jobs per 100K workforce — measures industry density

BLS OEWS May 2024
Understanding this Sector
What it's like to work in Electronics Repair

Electronics repair gives devices longer life — there's satisfaction in fixing things, technical problem-solving, and providing alternative to replacement culture. Many find meaning in repair over disposal.

The challenge can come from parts availability and competition. Manufacturers often limit repair access. New device prices make repair economics challenging. Specialization is required for most devices. The field has contracted with disposable electronics.

The field varies by device type and setting. Phone repair differs from computers, appliances, or specialty equipment. Retail repair centers differ from independent shops. Warranty service differs from out-of-warranty.

For those who thrive here, the rewards are genuine: technical problem-solving, device knowledge, environmentally conscious work, and customer service. If you enjoy fixing electronics, want repair careers, and can navigate industry challenges, electronics repair offers niche opportunities.

How people break in

Many technicians start with personal tinkering and device curiosity. Certifications like Apple, Samsung, or CompTIA help but hands-on skills matter most. Independent shops often train on the job. The right-to-repair movement is changing access to parts and documentation.

Work environment tends toward
Technical skillsCustomer-facingSmall business dominantCertification helpfulParts access varies
Industries it connects to
Salary vs. national average
-11%
$63K median vs. $71K national
$239K$179K$119K$60K$0K$17K$38K$150K$239K*387 metro areas across 50 states, sorted by salary level →
Salary range across all electronics repair roles
Where your dollar goes furthest
1. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara$94K
2. Boulder$80K
3. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria$75K
4. Durham-Chapel Hill$71K
5. Trenton-Princeton$71K
BLS OEWS May 2024
* Top salaries exceed this figure. BLS caps reported wages at ~$240K to protect individual privacy in high-earning roles.

Median salaries range from ~$71K in mid-market metros to ~$106K in top-tier cities. But cost of living closes a lot of that gap — metros with lower regional price parities often offer the best purchasing power.

Highest paying
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara · $106K
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont · $89K
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria · $81K
Best purchasing power
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara · $94K adj.
Boulder · $80K adj.
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria · $75K adj.
Most jobs
New York · 20.1M
Los Angeles · 13.3M
Chicago · 10M
BLS OEWS May 2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities

What the data says about this sector

Beyond salary and job counts — signals that shape the day-to-day experience of working in Electronics Repair.

🚪
Annual Quit Rate
Based on all Consumer Services data
26%
Higher than average turnover. This could indicate challenging conditions, seasonal work, or abundant external opportunities.
4%vs. 22% all industries
🏢
Typical Employer Size
Small-skewed
Small businesses dominate. More variety in roles but less formal structure and benefits.
98%
Small
<50
2%
Mid
50–249
0%
Large
250+
🏠
Remote / Hybrid Prevalence
Hybrid common
Many roles can be done remotely. Location flexibility is a realistic expectation.
Mostly on-siteHybrid commonRemote-first
📋
Credential Density
Moderate
Most roles don't require formal credentials. Skills and experience matter more than certificates.
Few credentialsSome requiredMany required
🤝
Union Presence
Based on all Consumer Services data
~6%
Minimal union coverage means compensation is individually negotiated. Know your market rate going in.
6%vs. 11% all industries
BLS JOLTS 2024 · BLS QCEW 2024 · O*NET Work Context · BLS Union Members Summary 2024

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FAQ

Common questions about Electronics Repair careers

What kinds of roles exist in electronics repair?

The industry is built around repair technicians — from consumer electronics and TV service engineers to biomedical equipment repairers and data processing mechanics. Customer-facing roles like service writers and repair clerks support the technical work. Specialized niches include radio and communication equipment service, camera engineering, and medical device repair.

How many people work in electronics repair?

About 100,860 people work in electronics repair in the U.S. — a relatively small, specialized segment within the consumer services sector.

What does an electronics repair technician typically earn?

Median annual pay in electronics repair runs around $63,240 — higher than many consumer services roles, reflecting the technical skill required. Specialized fields like biomedical equipment repair and digital imaging systems tend to pay at the top of that range.

How do people get started in electronics repair careers?

Common entry points include home theater installer apprenticeships, trainee roles in electronics sales and service, or vocational programs in electronics technology. Hands-on experience with consumer devices and basic electronics fundamentals is often the foundation. Certifications from CompTIA or manufacturer programs can accelerate advancement.

Is electronics repair a growing or shrinking field?

The consumer end of the industry has faced pressure as device costs fall and manufacturers make products harder to repair. However, segments focused on medical devices, industrial electronics, and complex audio/visual systems have held up better — and demand for biomedical equipment technicians in particular has grown alongside healthcare facility investment.

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Federal data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (May 2024) · BLS JOLTS 2024 · BLS QCEW 2024 · O*NET Work Context · BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034
Truest editorial: Industry narrative, sector context, career track mapping, working signals analysis.

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