Degrees and/or certificates in audio installation can be obtained from both colleges/universities and technical schools. These online programs teach students how to install a variety of audio equipment in automobiles, including: subwoofers, radios, speakers, DVD players and many more audio electronics. Some online programs also provide hands-on courses in installation techniques. Most programs result in an associate's degree or certificate.
Many technical and vocational schools require that students begin taking training courses in the junior year of high school. Some schools may offer related courses in place of the high school training that teach an understanding of the standards, techniques and industry tools. All courses throughout the program teach students the background they need to make installations. Some typical courses can include: Electronics safety, custom subwoofer casing design, Alternating and direct current principles, types of video and audio systems and circuit board and connector soldering.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov) states that motor vehicle electronic equipment installer employment should hold steady between 2008 and 2018. Those with certificates and audio installation degrees will fair much better in the job market. According to the BLS, median wages for installation occupations is $13.49 per hour.
As an audio installation graduate, some of the type of work you will be involved in includes installing and repairing the navigation systems, sound, security and communication in automotive vehicles. Other duties can include wiring a complete sound system into a vehicle, custom building wood cases to fit a vehicle's interior or building a fiberglass mounting board to hold speakers. Employment can be found at dealerships, mobile electronics retailers and even big box electronics stores.