Automobile Accessories Installer
Automobile accessories installers install items such as heaters, audio systems, security systems, lights, antennas, upholstery and truck box liners.
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Avg. Salary $75,596.00
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Avg. Wage $36.09
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Minimum Education Varies
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Outlook N/A
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Employed < 1500
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In Demand Medium
Also Known As
Alarm System Installer, Car Accessories Installer, Truck Accessories Installer
NOC Codes
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
- 2006 NOC: Motor Vehicle Assemblers (9482.1)
- 2006 NOC-S: Motor Vehicle Assemblers, Inspectors and Testers (J212)
- 2011 NOC: Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors and testers (9522)
- 2016 NOC: Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors and testers (9522)
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
67%
67%
Average Wage
Starting
Overall
Top
Average Wage
| Starting | $28.77 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $36.09 |
| Top | $43.08 |
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Certification Not Regulated
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Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg
Interest Codes
The Automobile Accessories Installer is part of the following larger National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Motor Vehicle Assemblers
- OBJECTIVE
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Interest in operating automated assembly equipment, and in using hand and power tools and other aids such as overhead joists, to position and install parts and subassemblies such as engines, transmissions, door panels and instrument panels
- METHODICAL
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Interest in copying information to connect cables, tubes and wires to complete assemblies and installations; and in tending automated assembling equipment such as robotic and fixed automation equipment
- innovative
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Interest in fitting and adjusting parts such as doors, hoods and trunk lids
Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Duties
Updated Mar 14, 2018
Automobile accessories installers may specialize in certain types of vehicles or certain types of accessories. For example, they may work mostly on cars, trucks, vans, commercial vehicles or motorhomes. Or they may specialize in installing after-market products such as:
- alarms
- remote starters
- audio or other electronic systems
- mirrors
- truck running boards
- spoilers
- film for tinting windows
- upholstery
- back-up cameras
- hands-free communication systems.
Duties and responsibilities vary. In general, automobile accessories installers:
- remove and re-install vehicle interior parts
- drill and tap holes to mount accessories
- custom build accessories such as speaker enclosures, panels and truck box liners
- bolt, screw, clip, weld or solder parts together
- assemble and fit accessories to vehicles
- maintain their own equipment
- keep their work area clean
- read and understand vehicle diagrams
- use computers and computer software
- conduct diagnostic testing
- provide customer service
- attend car and trade shows, sales events and car audio competitions.
Installers may keep records. They compute charges for labour and materials.
Some installers specialize in areas such as electronic systems and upholstery.
Electronic systems installers diagnose and install electronic devices. They study circuit diagrams and test wiring and other parts to find out what needs to be replaced or repaired. They may work with parts such as:
- remote starters
- car audio systems
- alarm systems.
Upholstery installers work with materials for upholstery and covers. They may measure, cut and sew the materials. They also may adjust or replace seat springs.
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 14, 2018
Most automobile accessories installers work a 40-hour, 5-day week. They may need to work some evenings, weekends or holidays. The work sometimes is noisy and dirty. There is some risk of injury involved in working with power tools. Automobile accessories installers need to be careful when working near exhaust gases.
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Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg
Skills & Abilities
Updated Mar 14, 2018
Automobile accessories installers need to possess:
- good eyesight
- manual dexterity
- mechanical interest and aptitude
- good communication skills
- good organizational skills
- an ability to visualize 3-dimensional objects
- an ability to analyze problems
- a willingness to keep up to date with technology.
They should enjoy using power tools, operating equipment and taking a methodical approach to their work. They also should enjoy fitting and adjusting parts.
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 14, 2018
Automobile accessories installers are trained on the job. Employers generally prefer to hire people who already have some related education or experience. For example, installers should know how to use table saws, routers and other wood tools safely. They will need these skills to build wood truck box liners and toolboxes.
Electronic systems installers must be familiar with 12-volt electrical systems. High school math, physics and electronics courses, and Mobile Electronics Certified Professional (MECP) training programs are definite assets.
Trainees may be expected to provide their own hand tools.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 14, 2018
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 14, 2018
Automobile accessories installers are employed by automotive specialty shops.
Experienced installers may advance to service manager or shop foreperson positions. Some start their own businesses. Others purchase existing businesses.
Automobile accessories installers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 9522: Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors and testers. In Alberta, 77% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
- Manufacturing [pdf]
- Retail Trade [pdf]
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
- time of year (for seasonal jobs)
- trends and events that affect overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
- location in Alberta
- employment turnover (work opportunities that come up when people leave existing positions)
- occupational growth (work opportunities that come up when new positions are created)
- size of the occupation.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 14, 2018
Hourly Wage
For full-time and part-time employees
- Low
- High
- Average
- Median
Starting
Overall
Top
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.50 | $42.74 | $28.77 | $31.25 |
| Overall | $18.35 | $50.00 | $36.09 | $41.51 |
| Top | $22.00 | $57.69 | $43.08 | $51.28 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
Industry Information
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $75,596 |
|---|---|
| Retail Trade | $59,231 |
| Manufacturing | $39,331 |
Skills Shortage
Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
67%
67%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
31%
31%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
9%
9%
Vacancy Rate
2%
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 14, 2018
Mobile Electronics Certified Professional (MECP) website: www.mecp.com
Motor Dealers' Association of Alberta website: mdaalberta.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 14, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
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