GED in Electronic / Computer Technology

Why would I want an electronic technology degree?

A degree in electronic technology will teach you the skills you need to find a good paying job, and they are skills that can be used for a lifetime. Plus, an electronic technology degree can be earned quickly after graduating from high school, and get you into the workforce in two years or less. If you like electronics, enjoy working with your hands, and like working out in the field, then a degree in electronic technology may be just the thing for you.

What do people with electronic technology degrees do?

People who earn their degrees in electronic technology go on to become electronic technicians. Electronic technicians install, perform maintenance, and repair a variety of electronic machines and equipment.

There are various types of machines and equipment that electronic technicians specialize in. Some of the most common types of specialties are listed below.

• Commercial and Industrial Equipment Electronic Technicians: Also know as field technicians, they often times travel to factories, plants, and other locations to perform maintenance and repairs on big, industrial equipment. Since these types of machines have to constantly be running, the technicians often times remove the defective parts and send them to a specialty shop for repair or send back to the manufacturer for replacement.
• Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Technicians: They specialize installing, maintaining, and repairing electric motors, wiring, or switches in things such as electric golf carts, power tools, armature winders, etc.
• Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay Technicians: Also known as powerhouse electricians, relay technicians, or power transformer repairers, they are in charge of inspecting, testing, maintaining, and repairing electrical equipment used in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.
• Motor Vehicle Electronic Technicians: Today’s vehicles rely more and more on electrical equipment such as communication, sound, security, and navigation equipment. Motor vehicle electrical technicians install, diagnose, and repair these types of equipment.
• Transportation Equipment Electronic Technicians: They specialize in installing, adjusting, and maintaining mobile electronic communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other vehicles.

How much do electronic technicians make?
The statistics below were taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and they were taken from surveys done in 2019. Included are the median wages for the most common specialties in the field of electronic technology.

*Commercial and Industrial Equipment Electronic Technicians: The median hourly wage was $28.51. The middle 50 percent earned between $22.90 and $34.34/hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $17.77/hour, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $40.14/hour.
*Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Technicians: The median hourly wage was $21.19. The middle 50 percent earned between $16.71 and $27.18/hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $13.29/hour, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $33.70/hour.
*Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay Technicians: The median hourly wage was $37.70. The middle 50 percent earned between $31.83 and $44.36/hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25.21/hour, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $49.30/hour.
*Motor Vehicle Electronic Technicians: The median hourly wage was $20.24. The middle 50 percent earned between $15.03 and $26.99/hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $11.73/hour, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $33.11/hour.
*Transportation Equipment Electronic Technicians: The median hourly wage was $30.06. The middle 50 percent earned between $24.37 and $36.84/hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $18.53/hour, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $44.04/hour.

Are electrical technician jobs popular?

Jobs in this sector aren’t the most popular, but the work is steady. Jobs in this industry are expected to grow by 0% through the year 2028, which is slower than the average growth rate among all jobs. The slower than average job growth rate is due to the growing sophistication of machines and equipment, which will automate certain processes. Jobs will always be available, though, for those with high qualifications.

How do I become an electronic technician?

The skills needed to become an electronic technician can be learned on the job, but jobs are the best for those who receive formal and specialized training. With this industry having a slower than average growth rate, it’s more important than ever to receive a degree in electronic technology to make yourself stand out from the crowd. Degrees in this field can be completed in as little as two years and get you on your way to a career in electronic technology.