Electronics Trades Workers
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Electronics Trades Workers maintain, adjust and repair electronic equipment such as business machines, video and audio equipment, and electronic instruments and control systems, and transmit and receive radio messages.
Tasks
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examining and testing machines, equipment, instruments and control systems to diagnose faults
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adjusting, repairing, and replacing worn and defective parts and wiring, and maintaining machines, equipment and instruments
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reassembling, test operating and adjusting equipment
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advising users of correct operating procedures to prevent malfunctions
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receiving messages by interpreting code and converting to plain language, and writing and typing messages for transmission
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monitoring radio traffic, and transmitting and receiving voice messages
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installing electronic instruments and control systems
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applying knowledge of electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic principles in commissioning and maintaining control systems
Characteristics
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Vocational Education and Training (VET)
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Informal or on-the-job
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Practical
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Analytical
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Administrative
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Sedentary
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Light
-
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:
- is expected to decline
- is likely to reach 20,100 by 2026.
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 | 36,500 |
2012 | 32,500 |
2013 | 36,000 |
2014 | 31,400 |
2015 | 30,800 |
2016 | 30,400 |
2017 | 26,900 |
2018 | 26,700 |
2019 | 23,600 |
2020 | 32,000 |
2021 | 21,000 |
2026 | 20,100 |
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
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Around 81% of people employed as Electronics Trades Workers work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 15 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 43 hours per week in their main job. This is similar to the all jobs average (44 hours per week).
Median full-time earnings are $1,415 per week, this is much lower than the all jobs median ($1,593):
- 3 in 4 workers earn more than $1,125
- 1 in 4 earn more than $1,962
Median hourly earnings are $34, 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. 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 | Electronics Trades Workers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Full-Time Earnings | 1,415 | 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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Electronics Trades Workers work in industries like:
- Other services
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Construction
- Public administration and safety.
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 | Electronics Trades Workers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 32.2 | 31.6 |
VIC | 24.4 | 25.6 |
QLD | 21.0 | 20.0 |
SA | 6.0 | 7.0 |
WA | 11.1 | 10.8 |
TAS | 1.5 | 2.0 |
NT | 1.7 | 1.0 |
ACT | 2.2 | 1.9 |
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Around 65% of Electronics Trades Workers live in capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 62%.
The region with the largest share of workers is 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 Electronics Trades Workers is 39 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 6% of the workforce. This is 42 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 | Electronics Trades Workers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 2.5 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 10.2 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 26.2 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 22.6 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 21.1 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 8.6 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 5.6 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 3.1 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 39 | 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 engineering mechanical trade or similar is usually needed to work as an Electronics Trades Worker.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Electrotechnology VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Electronics Trades Workers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 3.0 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 12.2 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 16.8 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 38.0 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 19.6 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 3.7 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 6.6 | 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 Electronics Trades Workers who are reliable, work well in a team and have a strong work ethic.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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57%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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57%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
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57%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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55%
RepairingFixing machines or systems.
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55%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
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54%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
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52%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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50%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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50%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
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48%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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48%
Equipment selectionDeciding on the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
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48%
InstallationInstalling equipment, machines, wiring, or programs.
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46%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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46%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
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46%
Systems analysisFiguring out how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect it.
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45%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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45%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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43%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
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43%
WritingWriting things for co-workers or customers.
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41%
PersuasionTalking people into changing their minds or their behaviour.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
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75%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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75%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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70%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
-
63%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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61%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
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59%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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57%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
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56%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
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55%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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50%
Production and processingRaw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
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46%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
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45%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
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45%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
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43%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
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41%
TelecommunicationsTransmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
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35%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
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30%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
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27%
Communications and mediaMedia production, communication, and dissemination. Includes written, spoken, and visual media.
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26%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
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23%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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57%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
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57%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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57%
CategorisingCome up with different ways of grouping things.
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57%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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57%
VisualizationImagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
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55%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
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55%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
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55%
Colour discriminationNotice differences between colours, including shades of colour and brightness.
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55%
Flexibility of closureSee a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) hidden in other distracting material.
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55%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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55%
Written comprehensionRead and understand written information.
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52%
Inductive reasoningUse lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
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52%
Perceptual speedUse your eyes to quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
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52%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
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50%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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48%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
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46%
Selective attentionPay attention to something without being distracted.
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45%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
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43%
BrainstormingCome up with a number of ideas about a topic, even if the ideas aren't very good.
-
43%
Speech claritySpeak clearly so others can understand you.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
-
82%
Working with electronic equipmentServicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing electronic devices and equipment.
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71%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
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69%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
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68%
Working with mechanical equipmentServicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.
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68%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
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65%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
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64%
Building good relationshipsBuilding good working relationships and keeping them over time.
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63%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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63%
Documenting or recording informationEntering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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63%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
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61%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
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60%
Controlling equipment or machinesOperating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
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60%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
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59%
Working with computersUsing computers to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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57%
Thinking creativelyUsing your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.
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57%
Doing physically active workUse your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.
-
57%
Collecting and organising informationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
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56%
Making sense of information and ideasLooking at, working with, and understanding data or information.
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54%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
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53%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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.
-
76%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
-
67%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
-
38%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
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33%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
-
14%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
Values
-
67%
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.
-
62%
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.
-
62%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
-
48%
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%
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.
Demands
-
99%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
-
95%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
-
93%
Indoors, heat controlledWork indoors with access to heating or cooling.
-
91%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
-
91%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
-
88%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
-
86%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
-
85%
Electronic mailUse electronic mail.
-
85%
TelephoneTalk on the telephone.
-
85%
Using your hands to handle, control, or feelSpend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
-
79%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
-
79%
Exposure to contaminantsBe exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.
-
74%
Lead or coordinate a teamLead others to do work activities.
-
72%
Health and safety of othersTake responsibility for the health and safety of others.
-
72%
Responsible for outcomesTake responsibility for the results of other people's work.
-
72%
Impact of decisionsMake decisions that have a large impact on other people.
-
72%
Letters and memosWrite letters and memos.
-
71%
Frequent decision makingFrequently make decisions that impact other people.
-
71%
Physically close to peopleWork physically close to other people.
-
71%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
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, 49-2094.00 - Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment.
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.