what is an auto electrician?
As an auto electrician, your job is to inspect, install, repair, and maintain electronic systems in motor vehicles using advanced diagnostic equipment, hand tools, and specialised electrical instruments. You will typically fix alternators, air conditioning systems, lights, electrical wiring, vehicle safety systems, and troubleshoot the latest electronic devices in new vehicle models.
If you have a natural aptitude for investigating electrical and mechanical problems, working as an auto electrician can provide a decent salary and great daily satisfaction. The driving factor of becoming an auto electrician is your curiosity about how things work, and you require a variety of skills and knowledge to excel in this career.
You can pursue career advancement as a fleet repair supervisor after a few years of working as an auto electrician. You can find employment opportunities in vehicle garages, repair shops, car dealerships, industrial companies that assemble or manufacture vehicle parts, or industries that operate heavy vehicles like mining.
view vacanciesaverage auto electrician salary
If you work as an auto electrician, your salary will depend on your educational qualifications and level of experience. Generally, an entry-level auto electrician can expect to earn around $115,000 per year, while those with more experience may receive a remuneration package of up to $135,000 annually. As an auto electrician, your average salary will be approximately $125,000 per year.
what factors affect the salary of an auto electrician?
As an auto electrician, your salary package is determined by your qualifications and experience. If you are new to the job with prevocational training, you can expect to earn less than someone who has completed an apprenticeship and has a Certificate III in automotive electrical technology. Completing an apprenticeship will provide you with valuable work experience and skills that will increase your qualifications and earning potential.
Your employer also plays a role in your salary. Auto electricians work in various industries, from vehicle assembly companies to businesses with large fleets of vehicles that require onsite electricians. If you work in mining or fleet operations, where you are responsible for repairing and maintaining large vehicles, you can expect to earn a higher salary.
Want to know what you will earn as an auto electrician? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.
types of auto electricians
Some types of auto electricians include:
- front-end technicians: your job involves handling all front-end repairs in a vehicle. That includes arranging the wheels, axles and frames to ensure proper alignment.
- air conditioning auto electrician: as an auto electrician, you can specialise in repairing vehicles' heating and air conditioning systems. You diagnose the sources of malfunctions and troubleshoot the problems to ensure the systems work as expected.
- brake auto technicians: since braking systems have extensive electrical connections, you ensure they function as expected. You perform a diagnostic test to identify the source of the problem before performing the necessary repairs.
working as an auto electrician
As an auto electrician, you repair defects in motor vehicles, which requires mechanical aptitude. If you are interested in the role, check out the duties, work environments and career outlook.
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auto electrician job description
Some of the tasks of an auto electrician include:
- diagnosing problems in a vehicle's electrical systems: as an auto electrician, you identify problems in a car's electronic systems. You can use diagnostic tools to identify the cause of the problems. Once you identify the cause of a problem, you provide the client with the estimated cost and repair time.
- repairing damaged and faulty electrical parts: your job is to fix problems in electrical systems. The work involves replacing faulty wiring and troubleshooting vehicle electrical systems. Whether the vehicle needs work on the braking or air conditioning system, you repair the damage.
- replacing damaged components: when electrical components are damaged beyond repair, you remove and replace the parts. If you don't have the spare parts in the garage or repair shop, you can order them. It is important to inform the client of your changes and replacements to the vehicle.
- carrying out checks and tests: after finishing all the repair work, you conduct tests and checks to ensure the vehicle is operating well. For instance, if you replace the braking system, you ensure it functions as expected and doesn't interfere with other vehicle parts.
- improving and enhancing a vehicle's electrical system: as an auto electrician, you fit accessories like GPS navigation, parking sensors and LCDs at a client's request.
- conducting maintenance and safety inspections: as an auto electrician, your job involves performing electromechanical vehicle maintenance. You test the batteries and charging systems and check the headlight beam alignment and other computerised components.
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work environment
As an auto electrician, your work environment will vary depending on your employer and specific duties. You may work in electronics retail stores, car dealerships, repair shops, or manufacturing plants. The cleanliness and organisation of these places may differ greatly. While some repair shops maintain high levels of cleanliness, others may not. While the work can be dirty, individuals may choose to take care of their hygiene based on personal preference. However, most auto electricians work in bright and well-ventilated repair shops, but it is common to work with greasy tools and auto parts.
As an auto electrician, your job involves lifting and using heavy tools which can result in occasional burns, scrapes, and bruises. It is important to wear protective clothing such as overalls and gloves, and sometimes goggles to protect your eyes.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include mechanical technicians, electrical electricians, field service technicians, site managers and mechanical engineers. You might also be working in close proximity to electricians and diesel mechanics, as well as other specialists that could include (but are not limited to) site supervisors, maintenance fitters and maintenance engineers.
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work schedule
As an auto electrician, your work schedule can vary greatly depending on where you work. Larger auto manufacturers, retailers, and repair shops may have multiple shifts, including night work. Smaller shops may work longer hours during busy times. Typically, auto electricians work 40 to 44 hours per week and may also work overtime or wait for customers to pick up their vehicles. Additionally, you may be on call for repairs if a customer's car breaks down while on the road.
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job outlook
With the increased popularity of electric cars, the demand for auto electricians is likely to increase. Specialisation in repairing electrical and electronic components in vehicles gives you the knowledge to work on electric cars. You can improve your skills and specialise in one aspect of repairs, such as the braking system, or become a front-end technician. You can also progress to become an electrical engineer in manufacturing plants and take up a supervisory role.
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advantages of finding an auto electrician job through randstad
Finding an auto electrician job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an auto electrician is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract every year with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
You require educational qualifications to become an automotive electrician. Some of the academic qualifications include:
- prevocational training: consider completing prevocational training such as a Certificate II in automotive electrical technology to understand what the job entails.
- apprenticeship: find and apply for an auto electrician apprenticeship. The apprenticeship usually takes four years and involves structured training from a registered training organisation to complete Certificate III in automotive electrical technology.
auto electrician skills and competencies
Some of the personal attributes you need as an auto electrician include:
- knowledge of electrical systems: unless you're an electrical savant, you won't start from scratch. Your intense curiosity about how things work inspires you to learn about vehicle electrical systems, tools and safety precautions. Knowledge of such systems makes you an excellent problem-solver since you know the functions of each part.
- mechanical aptitude: this helps you quickly absorb new information about mechanical systems. Most auto electricians intuitively grasp theoretical and practical applications of scientific principles like displacement and the results of forces on objects.
- electronic knowledge: as an auto electrician, you already understand how circuit boards, processors and chips work. Having some computer management and programming skills gives you an extra advantage.
- understanding diagnostic equipment: diagnostic equipment narrows down electrical problems automatically. Being proficient in using the equipment to diagnose vehicle issues is crucial.
- familiarity with vehicle makes and models: your knowledge of various vehicle models is critical in making proper repairs and replacements. Auto electricians also identify classes of vehicles and rental agency classification systems.
FAQs about working as an auto electrician
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of an auto electrician.
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is auto electrician a good career?
Working as an automotive electrician in Australia is a great career with impressive prospects. You will earn a high salary, and the remuneration improves with experience and qualifications. You learn new skills and gain knowledge that improves your career prospects. Auto electricians have great career prospects and can become engineers or take supervisory roles.
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how much does an auto electrician make?
As an auto electrician, you receive a remuneration package of $125,000 per year. With minimal experience and qualifications, you earn a low salary of $115,000 annually. As your experience improves, you are likely to earn over $135,000 yearly. The remuneration package usually depends on your experience, qualifications and the company size.
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what qualifications do I need to be an auto electrician?
To work as an automotive electrician in Australia, complete an apprenticeship. When you complete the apprenticeship, you obtain a vocational qualification. During the apprenticeship, you learn and gain hands-on experience and skills.
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what are the responsibilities of an auto electrician?
As an auto electrician, you isolate and diagnose electrical faults and vehicle issues. You test the electrical systems in vehicles and perform maintenance and repair tasks. That involves dismantling and removing components and replacing them with new parts.
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what are the top skills of an auto electrician?
As an auto electrician, you require technical expertise to handle mechanical issues in vehicle electrical systems. Hence, you need an aptitude for technical activities and enjoy practical and hands-on work. You require a good understanding of electronic and electrical systems to perform diagnostic tests and repairs on various equipment.
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how do I apply for an auto electrician vacancy?
Applying for an auto electrician job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.