How to become an Automotive Electrician
Installs, maintains and repairs electrical wiring and electronic components in motor vehicles.
Main tasks
- Inspects vehicles to identify electrical and electronic faults
- Tests electrical systems and components to determine the cause of malfunctions in vehicles
- Maintains, repairs or replaces faulty wiring, switches and other electrical components in vehicles to ensure optimal performance
- Installs new electrical systems and components in vehicles
- Uses diagnostic equipment to troubleshoot complex electrical issues with vehicles
- Reads and interprets electrical diagrams and technical manuals relating to vehicles
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
- TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology (AUR30320); Diploma of Automotive Technology (AUR50216); Certificate III in Recreational Vehicle Service and Repair (MSM31022); Certificate II in Automotive Electrical Technology (AUR20420); Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology (AUR20520); Certificate III in Automotive Electric Vehicle Technology (AUR32721); Certificate IV in Automotive Electrical Technology (AUR40620)
- Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $146,016 a year
- About 10,500 people work in this job group now, and about 11,300 are projected by 2035. (+7.8%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Related jobs
- Automotive Technician (General)
- Panelbeater
- Agricultural Mechanic
- Bicycle Technician
- Diesel Technician
- Electric Vehicle Technician
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Questions people ask
How do I become an Automotive Electrician?
Ways in include: Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology; Diploma of Automotive Technology; Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology.
How much does an Automotive Electrician earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $146,016 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is an Automotive Electrician a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 8% by 2035, from about 10,500 to about 11,300 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become an Automotive Electrician?
Usually not. Only 2% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology; Diploma of Automotive Technology; Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology.
Will AI change the work of an Automotive Electrician?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04