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Occupation Details

Automotive Electrician


(Automotive Electrical Fitter, Car Electrician, Automotive Electrical Mechanic)

Fact Sheet

Repairing wiring within an ignition

Repairing wiring within an ignition

Automotive electricians install, maintain, identify faults with and repair electrical wiring and computer-based equipment in motor vehicles. They may also work with related equipment, such as caravans, trailers, earthmoving equipment, mining equipment, marine applications and agricultural equipment.

Duties and Tasks

Automotive electricians may perform the following tasks:

  • work with computer-controlled engine management systems
  • service, identify and repair faults on electronically controlled vehicle systems such as electronic fuel injection, electronic ignition, anti-lock braking, cruise control, automatic transmission, airbags and air conditioning
  • install electrical equipment such as gauges, lighting, alternators and starter motors in vehicles
  • install electrically operated accessories such as radios, heating or demisting equipment, air conditioners, driving lamps and anti-theft systems
  • use meters, test instruments and circuit diagrams to find electrical faults
  • adjust engine control systems and timing to make sure vehicles are running at peak performance
  • test, recondition and replace faulty alternators, generators, starter motors and related items such as voltage regulators and batteries
  • repair or replace faulty ignition, electrical wiring, fuses, lamps and switches
  • use hand tools, specialised electrical tools, instruments and machines, including drills, grinders, presses and lathes
  • solder or weld when repairing electrical parts
  • sell and install electrical parts and accessories
  • install, repair and service air conditioning systems.

Quick Facts

Learning Area
School subjects that include some aspect of MATHEMATICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a mathematics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Work Demands
Use of precision or semi-precision tools or instruments or deft hand movements are required for these occupations. Included are jobs where poor co-ordination or incomplete use of hands or fingers may make tasks dangerous or difficult to undertake.

These jobs require you to be able to see clearly to examine items close-up. It covers jobs where poor vision e.g. tunnel vision, could make the work place unsafe or the job difficult to undertake, e.g. draftsperson working with detailed drawings; checkout operator reading dockets; work requiring good hand-eye co-ordination for working with precision or semi-precision tools.

Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed area protected from the weather.

These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Work Fields
Metal, Electrical and Automotive
Included are jobs involved in metal fitting and machining, forging, sheetmetal work, metal casting and finishing and other metal tradespersons, jobs in the electrical and electronics fields, such as fitting, appliance servicing, refrigeration and airconditioning, electrical mechanics, communications equipment, and jobs in the automotive industry.
Work Interests
These jobs involve WORKING WITH IDEAS to investigate or seek solutions to scientific, technical, social or other issues. Activities include observing, researching, analysing and interpreting results. The ability to develop theories, apply logic and explore abstract ideas in a specialist area of knowledge is important.

These jobs involve WORKING WITH THINGS, using the hands, or special tools or equipment to make, fix, install or adjust them. Activities include doing practical and physical tasks, and may require an understanding of how equipment or machinery works.
Skill Levels
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however further part-time study usually at Certificate III level, and on-the-job training offered as an apprenticeship, is required.

Work Conditions

Automotive electricians are usually required to wear protective clothing. They may have contact with customers.

Personal Requirements

  • enjoy practical and manual work
  • good eyesight and colour vision
  • good hand-eye coordination
  • able to approach work in a systematic and thorough way
  • able to keep up to date with technological changes
  • good at technical activities.

Earnings

View graphic version of earnings

Income (gross) of persons working full-time, 2006 - Automotive Electrician

Weekly Income RangeNumber of jobsPercent of Market
$1000 or more1,19622.93
$800 to $99982615.84
$600 to $7991,21623.32
$400 to $5991,11521.38
less than $40086216.53

Earnings of persons working full-time and part-time, 2006 - Automotive Electrician

Employment StatusWeekly Income (gross) $
Full-time868
Part-time

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

Inspecting wiring for possible damage

Inspecting wiring for possible damage
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