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What is an electrical maintenance technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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An electrical maintenance technician ensures the proper functioning of electrical systems and equipment. They install, repair, and maintain electrical machinery, lighting fixtures, and control systems. They also troubleshoot electrical problems, including power outages and malfunctions. Their duties include inspecting and testing electrical systems, keeping maintenance records, and ensuring safety compliance. Electrical maintenance technicians may work in manufacturing facilities, hospitals, schools, and government buildings. They must have an understanding of electrical principles and relevant technical skills.

ScoreElectrical Maintenance TechnicianUS Average
Salary
4.7

Avg. Salary $59,898

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
7.6

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.18%

Asian 4.62%

Black or African American 11.44%

Hispanic or Latino 16.13%

Unknown 4.27%

White 62.36%

Gender

female 3.28%

male 96.72%

Age - 49
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 49
Stress level
7.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.3

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.1

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being an electrical maintenance technician?

Pros

  • Job security and demand

  • High earning potential

  • Opportunities for advancement

  • Ability to work independently or as part of a team

  • Opportunities for travel and relocation

Cons

  • High stress environment, especially when equipment malfunctions

  • Long hours, including night and weekend shifts

  • On-call availability for emergency repairs

  • Potential for repetitive motion injuries or other health concerns

  • Can be mentally and emotionally draining

Electrical maintenance technician career paths

Key steps to become an electrical maintenance technician

  1. Explore electrical maintenance technician education requirements

    Most common electrical maintenance technician degrees

    Associate

    50.1 %

    Bachelor's

    15.7 %

    High School Diploma

    13.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific electrical maintenance technician skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Electrical Equipment5.57%
    Ac Dc4.88%
    Industrial Maintenance4.72%
    Preventive Maintenance4.64%
    Electrical Systems4.54%
  3. Complete relevant electrical maintenance technician training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New electrical maintenance technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an electrical maintenance technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real electrical maintenance technician resumes.
  4. Research electrical maintenance technician duties and responsibilities

    • Configure and repair DC motor controls.
    • Install and programme HMI and MMI systems.
    • Perform routine preventative maintenance and work orders using CMMS.
    • Work aloft on ladders, elevate platforms, and lifts to troubleshoot circuits.
  5. Prepare your electrical maintenance technician resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your electrical maintenance technician resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an electrical maintenance technician resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable electrical maintenance technician resume templates

    Build a professional electrical maintenance technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your electrical maintenance technician resume.
    Electrical Maintenance Technician Resume
    Electrical Maintenance Technician Resume
    Electrical Maintenance Technician Resume
    Electrical Maintenance Technician Resume
    Electrical Maintenance Technician Resume
    Electrical Maintenance Technician Resume
    Electrical Maintenance Technician Resume
    Electrical Maintenance Technician Resume
    Electrical Maintenance Technician Resume
  6. Apply for electrical maintenance technician jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an electrical maintenance technician job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first electrical maintenance technician job

Zippi

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Average electrical maintenance technician salary

The average electrical maintenance technician salary in the United States is $59,898 per year or $29 per hour. Electrical maintenance technician salaries range between $47,000 and $75,000 per year.

Average electrical maintenance technician salary
$59,898 Yearly
$28.80 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do electrical maintenance technicians rate their job?

-/5

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Electrical maintenance technician reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

Working with the latest industrial electronic technology and troubleshooting old and new electrical equipment and controls, especially networking. Life long career with multtype of electronics and electrical.

Cons

Not being able to solve any type of troubleshooting problem. I love a good challenge, but I hate to lose.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2020
Pros

Flexibility

Cons

I have more to offer than n various task. My resume spells out my duties.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2020
Pros

Challenging, technical, always something new, part of a team.

Cons

The hours, the low pay, high expectations to perform and exceed, expectation to always be on call, low budget for repairs.


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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.

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