Post job

Electrical and instrument mechanic education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become an electrical and instrument mechanic. Electrical and instrument mechanics usually study electrical engineering technology, electrical engineering, or business. 52% of electrical and instrument mechanics hold a associate degree, and 27% hold an bachelor's degree. We analyzed 98 real electrical and instrument mechanic resumes to see exactly what electrical and instrument mechanic education sections show.

The most common colleges for electrical and instrument mechanics are the University of Phoenix and the University of Phoenix.

There are also many online electrical and instrument mechanic courses to help get the education required to be an electrical and instrument mechanic.

What education do you need to become an electrical and instrument mechanic?

What degree do you need to be an electrical and instrument mechanic?

The most common degree for electrical and instrument mechanics is associate degree, with 52% of electrical and instrument mechanics earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are bachelor's degree degree at 27% and bachelor's degree degree at 12%.
  • Associate, 52%
  • Bachelor's, 27%
  • High School Diploma, 12%
  • Master's, 3%
  • Other Degrees, 6%

What should I major in to become an electrical and instrument mechanic?

You should major in electrical engineering technology to become an electrical and instrument mechanic. 23% of electrical and instrument mechanics major in electrical engineering technology. Other common majors for an electrical and instrument mechanic include electrical engineering and business.

Most common colleges for electrical and instrument mechanics

Electrical and instrument mechanics often get their degrees at University of Phoenix, SUNY College at Brockport, and Monroe College. Here are the most common colleges for electrical and instrument mechanics in the US based on their resumes.
Electrical and instrument mechanic common collegePercentages
University of Phoenix9.09%
SUNY College at Brockport9.09%
Monroe College9.09%
Baker College4.55%
University of South Carolina - Aiken4.55%

Best majors for electrical and instrument mechanics

Best colleges for electrical and instrument mechanics

The best colleges for electrical and instrument mechanics are Northwestern University, Columbia University in the City of New York, and University of Pennsylvania.

An electrical and instrument mechanic with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for electrical and instrument mechanics. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become electrical and instrument mechanics.

1. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

2. New York University

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$51,828

Enrollment

26,339

3. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

4. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$59,430

Enrollment

8,216

5. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$50,420

Enrollment

7,582

6. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Enrollment

31,503

7. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

8. University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$14,184

Enrollment

30,845

9. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

In-state tuition

$53,740

Enrollment

5,567

10. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • Private

In-state tuition

$8,987

Enrollment

18,946

20 best online courses for electrical and instrument mechanics

Advertising disclosure

1. Electric Power Systems

coursera

This course familiarizes you with standards and policies of the electric utility industry, and provides you with basic vocabulary used in the business. It introduces the electric power system, from generation of the electricity all the way to the wall plug. You will learn about the segments of the system, and common components like power cables and transformers. This course is for individuals considering a career in the energy field (who have a high school diploma, at minimum, and basic...

2. Renewable Power and Electricity Systems

coursera

The energy revolution in underway. Renewable energy is growing at an astounding pace - notably in electricity. Wind turbines and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems account for most new power plants built worldwide, and are essential to building a low-carbon and sustainable energy future. As a result, there are countless new opportunities in renewable electricity. This course provides a solid grounding in the basics of renewable electricity. We'll start with how electricity is measured, how...

3. Electrical Control & Protection Systems

udemy
4.6
(1,763)

This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical substation...

4. Fundamentals of Electrical Instrumentation

udemy
4.5
(596)

Master the fundamentals of instrumentation: Learn to wire digital & analog circuits and understand how they work!...

5. Control Systems Made Simple Beginner's Guide

udemy
4.4
(798)

Learn fundamentals of Mechanical & electrical system modeling, simulation and control with this unique practical course!...

6. Electrical Control & Protection Part 4

udemy
4.5
(293)

This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical network...

7. Electrical Control & Protection Systems part 2

udemy
4.7
(718)

This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical substation...

8. The Complete Electrical Power Control and Protection

udemy
4.6
(519)

Your Complete Practical Guide in Electrical Control & Protection Systems for Stations , Substations & Distribution Zones...

9. Construction Site Electrical System Design

udemy
4.6
(454)

Learn how to design a safe, flexible and durable electrical system for any construction site...

10. Introduction to Instrumentation

udemy
4.7
(334)

This course was developed and based on my experiences (more than 12 years ) in Instrumentation ...

11. Electrical Control & Protection Part 3

udemy
4.7
(435)

This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical network...

12. Ultimate Power Electronics and Electrical Protection Bundle

udemy
4.6
(656)

The largest and most comprehensive bundle on power electronics and electrical protection for electrical engineering...

13. Know Read Understand Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams P & IDs

udemy
4.5
(1,615)

Learn how Process Control, Safety Instrumented Systems, Interlock & Alarms are represented in engineering P & ID drawings...

14. Electrical Schematics (Industrial Controls)

udemy
4.4
(1,274)

Learn to read, understand & design power & control circuits. Foundational course to learn electrical wiring drawings...

15. AutoCAD Electrical for Electrical and Automation Engineers

udemy
4.2
(413)

Become proficient in Auto CAD Electrical quickly and showcase your skills...

16. Electric Vehicle Battery Management System - Course

udemy
4.2
(398)

Battery management system battery design & modelling Electric vehicle Lithium ion battery management Simulation...

17. Complete Field Instrumentation Engineering Course

udemy
4.3
(259)

Flow, Level, Temperature and Pressure Instrument - Selection, Sizing, Calculation and Detail Engineering...

18. Fundamentals of Electrical Controls

udemy
4.5
(1,915)

Learn the parts and wiring techniques used in a motor control installation, become a Controls Electrician...

19. Advanced Process Control & Safety Instrumented Systems SIS

udemy
4.5
(783)

Learn how the main process equipment such as chemical reactors , pumps , compressors & heat exchangers are controlled...

20. Ultimate Electrical Power Protection, Control & Switchgear

udemy
4.4
(357)

Your Complete guide in industrial power system protection for switchgears and substations- from Beginner to Expert Level...

Top 10 most affordable universities for electrical and instrument mechanics

The most affordable schools for electrical and instrument mechanics are California State University - Long Beach, california state university - bakersfield, and baruch college of the city university of new york.

If the best universities for electrical and instrument mechanics are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for electrical and instrument mechanics.

1. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

2. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Cost of attendance

16,714

3. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

4. Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$4,831

Cost of attendance

19,559

5. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

6. California State University - Fresno

Fresno, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,587

Cost of attendance

16,915

7. Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN • Private

In-state tuition

$9,992

Cost of attendance

22,430

8. California State University - Northridge

Northridge, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,893

Cost of attendance

18,870

9. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

10. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Pomona, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,353

Cost of attendance

21,302

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for electrical and instrument mechanics

The hardest universities for electrical and instrument mechanics to get into are Northwestern University, Columbia University in the City of New York, and University of Pennsylvania.

Some great schools for electrical and instrument mechanics are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for electrical and instrument mechanics based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

2. Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

6%

SAT average

1,512

3. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

4. Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • Private

Admissions rate

5%

SAT average

1,520

5. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

6. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,513

7. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

20%

SAT average

1,419

8. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

4%

SAT average

1,497

9. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

19%

SAT average

1,466

10. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for electrical and instrument mechanics

The easiest schools for electrical and instrument mechanics to get into are Mount Saint Mary's University, gwynedd mercy university, and barry university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as an electrical and instrument mechanic without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for electrical and instrument mechanics.

1. Mount Saint Mary's University

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

84%

SAT average

1,031

2. Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Valley, PA • Private

Admissions rate

92%

SAT average

1,031

3. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

4. Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, CA • Private

Admissions rate

82%

SAT average

983

5. Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, CA • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

1,072

6. Saint Martin's University

Lacey, WA • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,111

7. Notre Dame College

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

994

8. Oregon Institute of Technology

Klamath Falls, OR • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,139

9. Capitol Technology University

Laurel, MD • Private

Admissions rate

69%

SAT average

1,070

10. San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA • Private

Admissions rate

72%

SAT average

1,054

Average electrical and instrument mechanic salary by education level

Electrical and instrument mechanic education levelElectrical and instrument mechanic salary
High School Diploma or Less$69,086

Electrical and instrument mechanic education FAQs

Search for electrical and instrument mechanic jobs

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs