Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers

Repair, maintain, or install electric motors, wiring, or switches.

What you'd actually do

• Inspect and test equipment to locate damage or worn parts and diagnose malfunctions, or read work orders or schematic drawings to determine required repairs.
• Reassemble repaired electric motors to specified requirements and ratings, using hand tools and electrical meters.
• Measure velocity, horsepower, revolutions per minute (rpm), amperage, circuitry, and voltage of units or parts to diagnose problems, using ammeters, voltmeters, wattmeters, and other testing devices.
• Repair and rebuild defective mechanical parts in electric motors, generators, and related equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
• Lift units or parts such as motors or generators, using cranes or chain hoists, or signal crane operators to lift heavy parts or subassemblies.
• Record repairs required, parts used, and labor time.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the work happens outdoors; much of the day is spent working solo; precision matters — small details carry weight. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 1.8% of electric motor, power tool, and related repairers are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on and organized and detail-focused.

Related careers

• Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
• Industrial Machinery Mechanics
• Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
• Millwrights
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
• Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers

Quick questions

How much does a electric motor, power tool, and related repairer make?

The median pay is $27.02 per hour — roughly $56,000 a year, with the real range running from about $17.84/hr (10th percentile) to $40.96/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a electric motor, power tool, and related repairer?

The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

What does a electric motor, power tool, and related repairer actually do all day?

Inspect and test equipment to locate damage or worn parts and diagnose malfunctions, or read work orders or schematic drawings to determine required repairs. Reassemble repaired electric motors to specified requirements and ratings, using hand tools and electrical meters. Measure velocity, horsepower, revolutions per minute (rpm), amperage, circuitry, and voltage of units or parts to diagnose problems, using ammeters, voltmeters, wattmeters, and other testing devices.