what is an electronics technician?
As an electronics technician, you process electrical signals. You control electric current through electrical circuits. You are familiar with components that operate using semiconductor technology or vacuum technology, and you use them purposefully. Specialisations within the electronics technician profession include microelectronics and nanoelectronics, which involve tiny integrated circuits and silicon chips. As an electronics technician, there will be no avoiding your role in the future, as electronic systems dominate our lives. Your expertise is in demand across many industries. You plan, develop, programme, install, and maintain electronic hardware and software. Together with other specialists, you ensure that electronic devices and systems function flawlessly. As an electronics technician, you are skilled in handling complex technologies. You work in a dynamic field that continually produces innovative developments. This offers you numerous opportunities and excellent prospects. Keep reading to discover what makes you successful as an electronics technician.
electronics technician jobsworking as an electronics technician.
Your tasks as an electronics technician depend on your area of specialisation. You will always be working with electronic circuits and, for example, developing the necessary software. Your work revolves around electronic products and their manufacturing. Find out more about your responsibilities as an electronics technician here.
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your area of responsibility
Your typical tasks as an electronics technician include:
- Development: As an electronics technician, you are involved in the development of components. You work out ideas, improve existing solutions, and design new hardware. This also includes translating circuit diagrams for electronic systems. Additionally, you are responsible for sourcing all electronic parts.
- System prototypes: A system is only as good as its functionality. To see if the developed controls work properly, you assemble and calibrate electronic prototypes. You also check whether your system meets the specified standards. If there are deviations or errors, you adjust your system accordingly.
- Manufacturing: When building your electronic hardware, you take into account energy-related and ecological considerations. You prepare for production by assembling, wiring, and soldering components. You accurately populate circuit boards with electronic micro-components.
- Installation: Your task as an electronics technician is also to correctly install the electronic systems. To do this, you carry out measurements based on the technical drawings. You ensure that all systems are installed correctly.
- Commissioning: Before you put electronic systems into operation, you check their functionality. You measure the voltage and current with the appropriate testing devices. If the performance isn't correct, you adjust everything to ensure it’s set up perfectly.
- Maintenance: As an electronics technician, you ensure that electronic systems operate flawlessly. This involves checking them regularly. If any faults occur, you identify the cause. When necessary, you repair the faulty components or replace them.
- Consultancy: As an electronics technician, you are a sought-after expert in the deployment and maintenance of electronic hardware and software. Companies are therefore happy to rely on you to provide qualified advice to customers.
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who are your colleagues?
Your tasks as an electronics technician are as diverse as your working environment. During the development phase, you will collaborate with systems technicians and engineers, In private households, businesses, or on construction sites, you work alongside specialists from various fields. Depending on the industry you work in, you might encounter electrical installers, refrigeration system fitters, network technicians, or project managers. The success of a project largely depends on how well you work together with your colleagues.
types of electronics technician.
As an electronics technician, there are many opportunities for specialisation. In almost every industry, you'll find specialists who are familiar with electronic controls. Here is a selection:
- Electronics technician for building technology: In this field, you as an electronics technician ensure that buildings are smart. You plan, install, and configure communication and multimedia systems. Additionally, you set up data networks and connect various building systems together. These include, for example, lighting, heating, and ventilation.
- Automatics electronics technician: In this role, you’ll be responsible for electrical control systems for machinery and automation systems. You’ll commission them, carry out repairs, and produce technical documentation.
- Multimedia electronics technician: Here, you'll dive into the exciting world of the multimedia industry. You will install, maintain, repair, and sell consumer electronics. In this field, you're familiar with televisions, radios, gaming consoles, tablets, and much more.
- Electronics technician for service technology: The field of service technology offers you countless opportunities as an electronics technician. You install and maintain electronic systems in various environments. These include energy storage systems, ATMs, cash register systems, and medical technology.
salary as an electronics technician.
Your gross salary as an electronics technician depends on your training and work experience. Right after completing your training, you typically start on an entry-level salary of around 67,600 CHF, which works out to approximately 5,600 CHF per month. If you’re involved in more complex tasks, such as developing extensive electronic systems, you can earn more. On the other hand, if your work involves standardised appliances like coffee machines, your earnings are more in the average range. Larger companies generally pay higher wages than smaller businesses or retail outlets.
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how much do I earn as an electronics technician in a permanent position?
Your gross salary as an electronics technician typically ranges between 67,600 and 115,000 CHF annually. This translates to between 5,600 and 9,600 CHF per month for a full-time position. Your median salary as an electronics technician is around 72,000 CHF per year, or 6,000 CHF per month. Your place of work also influences your earnings; for example, you will earn significantly more in Zurich than in Graubünden. Furthering your education and obtaining higher qualifications can increase your annual salary. In such cases, a gross income of approximately 86,000 CHF per year, or 7,200 CHF per month, becomes achievable. Some companies may also offer you a 13th month’s salary or attract you with shorter working hours. Therefore, when looking for a position, consider not only the basic salary but also additional benefits.
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in which industry do I earn the most as an electronics technician?
If you work in an industry where you have to manage complex systems, your salary is higher than in retail. The more demanding the requirements, the more you earn. For example, if you're involved in a sought-after field like microelectronics and nanoelectronics, this positively impacts your gross salary. Traditionally, the pharmaceutical industry and the ICT sector tend to pay reasonably well.
vocational and further education as an electronics technician.
To pursue a career as an electronics technician, you complete a basic training as an Electronic Technician EFZ. After four years, you will finish this with a Swiss Federal Certificate of Competence. Following your apprenticeship or even during your training at your training company, you have the opportunity to specialise in areas such as Information Technology, Machinery Technology, or Medical Technology.
After completing your apprenticeship, it’s best to gain a few years of work experience. Additionally, you can qualify as an EFZ Electronic Technician for further roles and positions. To do this, you attend courses at vocational colleges and leadership schools. For example, you could specialise as an ICT Systems and Network Technician or as a Project and Workshop Supervisor in switchgear construction. For a managerial position, a university degree is usually required. Having a diploma as a Technical Engineer HF in Computer Science or Systems Engineering provides a solid foundation for such roles.
positions as an electronics technician.
Thanks to your broad foundational knowledge, you as an electronics technician are versatile in your work. Many companies offer you a challenging and attractive working environment as a skilled professional. You can choose your sector based on your preferences—whether it's energy technology, building services, IT, mechanical engineering, or telecommunications. Wherever you apply your expertise, you ensure that electronic systems operate smoothly and without faults.
positions for career changers as electronics technicians.
As an electronics technician, you work with electrical current and circuits. You gain the necessary expertise through your basic training and on-the-job learning. Career changers have opportunities if they acquire the required skills. Experience in related professions such as automation technician EFZ or computer scientist EFZ provides a good foundation. Make use of mentors and further training to compensate for any missing qualifications.
career opportunities and development potential as an electronics technician.
Training as an electronics technician provides a solid foundation for your career in the technical field. With practical skills, ambition, and work experience, you have the best prospects of success in your profession. Thanks to further training, you can progress to become a project manager. If you aim for a managerial position, studying is a good option. You will gain in-depth knowledge in electronics, mathematics, and physics. With excellent future prospects, pursuing a degree is definitely worthwhile. Continuing education is the first step on your career ladder. Want to develop further? Take a look at our tests and tips.
competencies as an electronics technician.
Electronic systems are complex. To succeed as an electronics technician, technical skills and social abilities are essential. These include:
- Craftsmanship: As an electronics technician, you install, inspect, and repair. For this, you need the right tools and the skill to handle them. Thanks to your routine handling, you can assemble and dismantle components with ease.
- Technical understanding: In electronics, you can't get very far without a solid foundation in mathematics, physics, and computer science. You need to familiarise yourself with electronic systems, understand them, and install them correctly. When issues arise, your technical knowledge will help you find a solution.
- Communication skills: In your role as an electronics technician, you work as part of a team, whether in development, installation, or maintenance. Good communication helps you to carry out a project successfully.
- Thirst for knowledge: As an electronics technician, prepare to learn throughout your life. Technologies and standards are constantly evolving, and innovative solutions are in demand. You're genuinely excited about this challenge. Here, you can indulge your interest in new technologies.
benefits of working as an electronics technician at randstad.
There are many good reasons to work at Randstad as an electronics technician:
✓ exciting jobs at well-known companies
✓ a reliable point of contact whenever you need one; personalised advice matters
✓ attractive employment conditions and good social benefits
✓ further education courses and personal development opportunities
✓ clear information in the myRandstad app
✓ do you have a fixed-term contract? Often, there’s the opportunity to secure a permanent position afterwards. Many well-known companies also recruit their staff directly through Randstad
your training budget as an electronics technician at randstad.
If you work as a production worker for Randstad, you have access to training courses. As part of the Temp Training programme from swissstaffing, you can attend training sessions. You will get the course fees reimbursed later, provided you pass the course exam. Your Randstad advisor is there to support you if you have any questions. This way, you can also gain additional language skills or job-specific knowledge—all during your working hours as an electronics technician.
application tips for electronics technicians at randstad.
Have you found your dream job as an electronics technician? It's not just qualifications and certificates that determine the success of your applications. Careful, error-free, and personalised documents will definitely help you in your job search. Here are a few useful tips to optimise your chances:
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1. find a position as an electronics technician
Search through Randstad job vacancies. If you can't find a position that’s a perfect fit, you’re still welcome to get in touch with us personally, without any obligation, or create a Randstad profile.
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2. applying as an electronics technician
The job advert continues: apply online, give us a call, or send us an email.
Make sure your documents are complete.
✓ CV with photograph
✓ work references & diplomasYou don't have a CV yet, or only an outdated version? Create a new layout using a free online template.
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3. preparing for a job interview as an electronics technician
A good preparation will help you stay calm during the interview as an electronics technician. Here are some tips for your job interview.
frequently asked questions.
Here you will find frequently asked questions about the profession of an electronics technician.
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what does an electronics technician do?
Basically, as an electronics technician, you control the flow of electrical current through circuits. You’re familiar with the components and use them purposefully. You’ll find yourself involved in developing, programming, installing, and maintaining these systems. Your job is to ensure that electronic systems operate smoothly and reliably. Read more here about your responsibilities as an electronics technician.
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how much do I earn as an electronics technician?
Your annual gross salary as an electronics technician typically ranges between 67,600 and 115,000 CHF. That’s roughly 5,600 to 9,600 CHF per month. Your pay depends on your level of training and work experience. Additionally, engaging in more complex tasks can have a positive impact on your monthly earnings. The region and industry you work in also play a role. Find out more about your gross salary as an electronics technician on this page.
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is electronics technician a good profession?
As an electronics technician, you have a varied profession with excellent prospects for the future. You’ll find real enjoyment in your work when you enjoy getting to the bottom of things. As an electronics technician, your skills are in demand across all industries. Thanks to ongoing technological advancements, you’ll never find yourself bored. Find out more here about what to expect as an electronics technician.
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is being an electronics technician difficult?
Your profession as an electronics technician is demanding. If you enjoy technical challenges and like solving complex problems, you’re in the right place. Standards and technologies are constantly evolving, so it’s essential to keep your knowledge up to date. With technical understanding, practical skills, and a thirst for knowledge, you can master all tasks. Find out more about the electronics technician’s profession on this page.
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do you need experience to become an electronics technician?
Work experience helps you to develop further as an electronics technician. With a solid basic education as an EFZ electronics technician, you gain practical experience even during your apprenticeship. Thanks to your specialisation in a future-proof field and your ambition, entering the profession is straightforward. With years of professional experience, you create the best conditions for a successful career. If you complete a degree, you’ll have good prospects for a managerial position. Additionally, your experience as an electronics technician positively impacts your salary. Through Randstad, you can find roles for career changers and experienced professionals. Find out more here about the skills you need as an electronics technician.
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what requirements do I need to meet to become an electronics technician?
A basic qualification as an Electronics Technician EFZ is a prerequisite to working in the profession. Even during your apprenticeship or afterwards, you can specialise. You choose your focus based on your preferences. The most popular areas are mainly ICT and Mechanical Engineering. If you are switching into electrical engineering from a different field, you will need additional qualifications. You have good prospects if you come from a related profession such as Automation Technician EFZ or IT Specialist EFZ. Any missing skills can be acquired through courses. Are you looking for an attractive position with prospects? Read more here about our offers for Electronics Technicians.
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how do I apply for a job as an electronics technician?
Your application as an electronics technician is straightforward. Create a Randstad profile and browse our job board for available positions nearby. Found an interesting opportunity? Then send us your cover letter, CV, and certificates right away.