Automotive Electricians
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Automotive Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical wiring and electronic components in motor vehicles.
Also known as: Automotive Electrical Fitter.
A certificate III in automotive electrical technology is usually needed to work as an Automotive Electrician.
Tasks
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using test equipment to locate electrical and electronic malfunctions
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dismantling and removing electrical and electronic assemblies and components
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installing electrical equipment and electronic components in motor vehicles
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connecting power-operated vehicle equipment and accessories to power supply
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adjusting engine control systems and timing
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testing and replacing defective alternators, generators, voltage regulators and starter motors
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repairing and replacing faulty ignition and electrical wiring
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replacing defective parts such as fuses, lamps and switches
Characteristics
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Vocational Education and Training (VET)
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Practical
-
Analytical
-
Administrative
-
Medium
Outlook
JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. The latest data are for the five years from November 2021 to November 2026. Over this period, the number of workers in this occupation is likely to remain stable.
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Notes: The number employed includes people who work in this occupation as their main job. People who work in more than one job are counted against the occupation they work the most hours in.
Employment projections figures are rounded to the nearest 100. Calculations based on these rounded figures may result in differences to the numbers that are displayed on this page. Employment projections data (including occupations) can be downloaded from the Employment Projections page.
Number of Workers
Year | Employment |
---|---|
2011 | 9,900 |
2012 | 9,200 |
2013 | 8,900 |
2014 | 9,500 |
2015 | 11,700 |
2016 | 5,600 |
2017 | 6,000 |
2018 | 6,300 |
2019 | 12,000 |
2020 | 2,600 |
2021 | 7,400 |
2026 | 7,400 |
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, ABS seasonally adjusted data to November 2021 and Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
-
Around 90% of people employed as Automotive Electricians work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 24 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 48 hours per week in their main job. This is 4 hours more than the all jobs average (44 hours per week).
More than half of workers regularly work overtime or extra hours (either paid or unpaid).
Median full-time earnings are $1,352 per week, this is much lower than the all jobs median ($1,593):
- 3 in 4 workers earn more than $1,347
- 1 in 4 earn more than $1,582
Median hourly earnings are $36, this is lower than the all jobs median ($41 per hour).
Sources: Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average. Overtime hours: ABS, Characteristics of Employment, 2021. Full-time median earnings and median hourly earnings: ABS, Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021. Compared to all jobs median.
Weekly Earnings (Before Tax)
Earnings | Automotive Electricians | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Full-Time Earnings | 1,352 | 1,593 |
Total Earnings | 0 | 0 |
Source: Based on ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021, Customised Report. Median weekly total cash earnings for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. Earnings are before tax and include amounts salary sacrificed. Earnings can vary greatly depending on the skills and experience of the worker and the demands of the role. These figures should be used as a guide only, not to determine a wage rate.
Industries
Main industries
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Most Automotive Electricians work in the Other services industry. They are also employed in industries like:
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, annual average 2021.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Automotive Electricians | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 25.1 | 31.6 |
VIC | 18.3 | 25.6 |
QLD | 25.6 | 20.0 |
SA | 6.6 | 7.0 |
WA | 20.4 | 10.8 |
TAS | 2.2 | 2.0 |
NT | 1.1 | 1.0 |
ACT | 0.7 | 1.9 |
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Around 56% of Automotive Electricians live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.
Western Australia and Queensland have a large share of employment relative to their population size.
The regions with the largest share of workers are:
- Perth - South East
- Mackay - Isaac - Whitsunday
- Perth - North West
- Perth - North East
- Melbourne - South East.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Worker profile
Age and gender
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The median age of Automotive Electricians is 37 years. This is similar to the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 25 to 34 years.
Females make up 2% of the workforce. This is 46 percentage points below the all jobs average of 48%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile (% Share)
Age Bracket | Automotive Electricians | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 4.7 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 13.2 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 27.3 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 21.8 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 18.6 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 7.2 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 4.8 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 2.4 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 37 | 40 |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Employment Pathways
Education, training and experience
A certificate III in automotive electrical technology is usually needed to work as an Automotive Electrician.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Automotive Retail, Service and Repair VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Automotive Electricians | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 0.1 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 1.6 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 2.2 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 84.0 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 6.7 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 2.0 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 3.3 | 12.5 |
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Skills and Knowledge
Employers look for Automotive Electricians who are reliable, work well in a team and who work hard.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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52%
RepairingFixing machines or systems.
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52%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
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45%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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45%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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43%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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43%
InstallationInstalling equipment, machines, wiring, or programs.
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43%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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43%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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43%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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43%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
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43%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
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43%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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43%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
-
41%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
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41%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
-
41%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
-
41%
Serving othersLooking for ways to help people.
-
41%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
-
41%
WritingWriting things for co-workers or customers.
-
39%
Equipment selectionDeciding on the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
-
69%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
-
62%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
-
60%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
-
52%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
-
48%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
-
46%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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44%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
-
42%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
42%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
-
34%
Sales and marketingShowing, promoting, and selling including marketing strategy, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
-
31%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
-
28%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
-
28%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
-
27%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
-
27%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
-
22%
TelecommunicationsTransmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
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21%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
-
20%
Communications and mediaMedia production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.
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19%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
-
13%
Economics and accountingEconomics and accounting, the financial markets, banking and checking and reporting of financial data.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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55%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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54%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
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54%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
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54%
Extent flexibilityBend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
-
52%
VisualizationImagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
-
50%
Colour discriminationNotice differences between colours, including shades of colour and brightness.
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50%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
-
46%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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46%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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46%
CategorisingCome up with different ways of grouping things.
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45%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
-
45%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
-
45%
Inductive reasoningUse lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
-
45%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
-
45%
Selective attentionPay attention to something without being distracted.
-
43%
Multilimb coordinationUse your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.
-
43%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
-
43%
Auditory attentionPay attention to a certain sound when there are other distracting sounds.
-
43%
Written comprehensionRead and understand written information.
-
41%
Trunk strengthUse your abdominal and lower back muscles a number of times without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
-
87%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
-
82%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
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73%
Doing physically active workUse your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.
-
68%
Thinking creativelyUsing your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.
-
68%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
-
65%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
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60%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
-
59%
Giving expert adviceProviding guidance and expert advice to management or other groups.
-
58%
Collecting and organising informationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
-
57%
Working with computersUsing computers to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
-
54%
Training and teaching othersUnderstanding the needs of others, developing training programs, and teaching or instructing.
-
50%
Making sense of information and ideasLooking at, working with, and understanding data or information.
-
50%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
-
47%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
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46%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
-
43%
Assessing and evaluating thingsWorking out the value, importance, or quality of things, services or people.
-
43%
Guiding and directing staffGuiding and directing staff, including setting and monitoring performance standards.
-
42%
Explaining things to peopleHelping people to understand and use information.
-
41%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
-
39%
Driving vehicles or equipmentRunning, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
Interests and demands
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
-
100%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
-
71%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
-
62%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
-
29%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
-
29%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
-
14%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
Values
-
62%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
-
57%
IndependenceWork alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
-
52%
RelationshipsServe and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
-
43%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
-
43%
RecognitionAdvancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
-
43%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
Demands
-
94%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
-
93%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
-
93%
In an enclosed vehicle or equipmentWork in a closed vehicle (e.g., car).
-
93%
Using your hands to handle, control, or feelSpend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
-
91%
Exposure to contaminantsBe exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.
-
91%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
-
87%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
-
85%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
-
84%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
-
83%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
-
82%
Spend time standingSpend time standing at work.
-
81%
Frequent decision makingFrequently make decisions that impact other people.
-
80%
Making repetitive motionsSpend time making repetitive motions.
-
79%
Indoors, not heat controlledWork indoors without heating or cooling (e.g., warehouse without heat).
-
78%
Cramped work spaceWork in an awkward position or in cramped work spaces.
-
78%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
-
75%
Impact of decisionsMake decisions that have a large impact on other people.
-
75%
TelephoneTalk on the telephone.
-
75%
Bending or twisting your bodySpend time bending or twisting your body.
-
74%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 49-2096.00 - Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles.
Links and downloads
Research and reports
The Skills Priority List provides a current labour market rating and a future demand rating for nearly 800 occupations nationally. Current labour market ratings are available for occupations at a state and territory level.
Downloads
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Occupation profiles data are available for download.
The Employment Projections are available for download.