by
Rachel Tindall
| Aug 10, 2022
As the home technology industry has evolved, the technicians working in the field have referred to themselves in various ways with different occupational titles.
Classifying Industry Work
In the early 2000s, the U.S. Department of Labor established the Electronic Systems Technician (EST) occupational title. This federally recognized title helped establish the trade, its scope of work, and differentiate itself from other trades. Over time, this classification lapsed and fell under a broader classification umbrella.
The industry is currently classified within the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) under 49-2022: Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers which falls under the hierarchy of 49-2000: Electrical and Electronic Equipment Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers.
There are different federal classifications that are important to the industry. The SOC system is a United States government classification system used by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Another classification system is the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). Industry classifications also influence insurance rates.
The goal of the industry is to establish Integrator as its own occupational classification in the next Standard Occupational Classification / Bureau of Labor Statistics code update. This would make the industry our own rather than being listed as a broad occupation with other trades.
Why Does it Matter?
One of the benefits of establishing the term Integrator is that companies can use modifiers to better describe their services, for example: residential integrator, commercial integrator, security integrator, or lighting integrator. These titles highlight the different areas integrators work in.
Other benefits of the new classification are:
- Having data on the industry, including important labor and business information
- Differentiating the industry from other trades
- Supporting industry advocacy efforts
Visit the CEDIA Booth at CEDIA Expo to learn more about why having our own occupational classification is critical for integrators. You can also use CEDIA’s digital advocacy tool to reach out to your legislative leaders and make your voice heard on the issue.
Companies in the home technology industry must begin to use the term Integrator within their business. Integrators provide important services throughout the home. As the industry evolves, it’s important to establish an occupational classification that recognizes this critical work.