Skip to the main content
This website uses cookies to give you a better online experience. By using this website or closing this message, you are agreeing to our cookie policy. More information
Alberta Supports Contact Centre

Toll Free 1-877-644-9992

Alert

The alis website may experience short, periodic outages and/or slow response times from Nov. 8 at 10 p.m. to Nov. 10 at 5 p.m. due to planned maintenance. Thank you for your understanding.

Automobile Accessories Installer

Automobile accessories installers install items such as seat heaters, replacement or upgraded audio system components, security systems, remote starter systems, remote keyless entry systems, replacement or upgraded lighting, antennas, upholstery, and truck box liners.

Also Known As

Alarm System Installer, Car Accessories Installer, Mobile Electronics Technician, 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

  • 9482.1: Motor Vehicle Assemblers

2006 NOC-S

  • J212: Motor Vehicle Assemblers, Inspectors and Testers

2011 NOC

  • 9522: Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors and testers

2016 NOC

  • 9522: Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors and testers

2021 NOC

  • 94200: Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors and testers

2023 OaSIS

  • 94200.01: Motor vehicle assemblers
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Automobile accessories installers may specialize in certain types of vehicles or certain types of accessories and upgrades. 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 systems
  • Mirrors
  • Truck running boards or box liners
  • Spoilers
  • Window tint film
  • Paint-protection film
  • Upholstery
  • Seat heaters
  • Back-up cameras
  • Hands-free calling or voice command systems
  • Tires

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 or subwoofer enclosures, panels, and truck box liners
  • Bolt, screw, clip, weld, or solder parts together
  • Assemble and fit accessories to vehicles
  • Maintain their own tools and equipment
  • Keep their work area clean and in order
  • Read and understand vehicle electrical or assembly diagrams
  • Use computers for access to vehicle diagnostic information
  • Use computers to program or “flash” software on after-market integration devices
  • 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 31, 2024
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg

Most automobile accessories installers work a 40-hour, 5-day week. They may need to work some evenings, weekends, or holidays. The work may be noisy and dirty. There is some risk of injury when working with power tools.

Automobile accessories installers need to be careful when working near exhaust gases, moving parts, hot surfaces, solvents and chemicals, and high-voltage or current electrical connections and cables. Use of approved safety equipment may be required for certain tasks. This could include safety or lineman’s gloves, respirators, and safety googles.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Motor Vehicle Assemblers

2006 NOC: 9482.1

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

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

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

Interest in fitting and adjusting parts such as doors, hoods and trunk lids

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

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 for this NOC group 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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Automobile accessories installers need:

  • Good eyesight
  • Manual dexterity
  • Mechanical and technological interest and aptitude
  • Communication skills
  • Organizational skills
  • The ability to visualize objects in 3-dimensions
  • The ability to analyze problems
  • The willingness to keep up to date with technology
  • The ability to follow procedures and instructions

They should enjoy using power tools, operating equipment, and taking a methodical approach to their work. They also should enjoy fitting and adjusting parts.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors and testers

2016 NOC: 9522

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 30 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 17, 2021 and Nov 08, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Fit and adjust parts
Tasks: Position and install parts, subassemblies and accessories
Tasks: Bolt, screw, clip, weld, solder or otherwise fasten motor vehicle parts and components together
Tasks: Connect cables, tubes and wires to complete assemblies and installations
Tasks: Clean and maintain work space
Tasks: Read electrical schematics, blueprints and other technical diagrams
Tasks: Inspect auto parts for defects
Personal Suitability: Reliability
Personal Suitability: Organized
Personal Suitability: Team player
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Minimum Education Varies

Automobile accessories installers are trained on the job. Employers generally prefer to hire people who 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) certification 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.

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2024
  • Certification Not Regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Automobile accessories installers work for automotive and heavy truck dealerships, and specialty shops.

Experienced installers may advance to service manager or shop foreperson positions. Some start their own businesses. Others purchase existing businesses.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors and testers
2016 NOC: 9522

82.7% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors and testers
2021 NOC: 94200
Lower
Demand
< 1500
Employed

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors and testers
2016 NOC: 9522
2.2%
Annual Growth
(Below Average)
13
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2024

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Motor vehicle assemblers, inspectors and testers

2016 NOC: 9522
Average Wage
$28.51
Per Hour
Average Salary
$61,822.00
Per Year
Average Hours
40.7
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 9522 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

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.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

C: Lower Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $16.94 $42.74 $24.89 $20.00
Overall $17.50 $47.01 $28.51 $24.60
Top $18.00 $51.28 $33.21 $30.00

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.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Manufacturing

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
63%
63%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
43%
43%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
5%
5%
Vacancy Rate
4%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Trades, Industrial and Related Training
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2024

Mobile Electronics Certified Professional Program (MECP) website: 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 31, 2024. 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.

Was this page useful?