How much does a car electronics tech make?
a year · about $23 an hour
A typical car electronics tech in the United States makes $48,420 a year, about $23 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They ask drivers what is wrong, then test stereos, navigation, or security systems with meters. They may remove door panels, run and solder wires, install equipment, check it works, and record results.
Did you know? Some car electronics techs remove seats and door panels to hide sound-absorbing material inside a car, then carefully put the interior back together.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $35,590 and $70,170How do you become one?
In the U.S., finish high school, study electronics at a technical school or community college, then train beside an experienced shop technician; on-the-job learning often takes one to two years. MECP certification is optional.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., experience, useful certifications, and skill with tricky electronics can affect pay. The shop or dealer, location, and hours—including overtime or shifts—also matter.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Kentucky ($64,570), lowest in Pennsylvania ($26,640).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $35,590 | $48,420 | $70,170 | about 9,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $64,570 | about 40 |
| New York | $60,220 | about 290 |
| Colorado | $60,070 | — |
| Georgia | $59,550 | about 300 |
| Washington | $59,010 | about 120 |
Official definition: Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-2096.00
- www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/electrical-and-electronics-i
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- mecp.com/
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY