Electro-mechanical technicians combine knowledge of mechanical technology with knowledge of electrical and electronic circuits. They operate, test, and maintain unmanned, automated, robotic, or electromechanical equipment.
DutiesElectro-mechanical technicians typically do the following:
Electro-mechanical technicians test and operate machines in factories and other worksites. They also analyze and record test results, and prepare written documentation to describe the tests they did and what the test results were.
Electro-mechanical technicians install, maintain, and repair automated machinery and equipment in industrial settings. This kind of work requires knowledge and training in the application of photonics, the science of light. The technological aspects of the work have to do with the generating, controlling, and detecting of the light waves so that the automated processes can proceed as designed by the engineers.
Electro-mechanical technicians also test, operate, or maintain robotic equipment at worksites. This equipment may include unmanned submarines, aircraft, or similar types of equipment for uses including oil drilling, deep-ocean exploration, or hazardous-waste removal.
Electro-mechanical technicians typically need either an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate.
EducationAssociate’s degree programs and postsecondary certificates for electro-mechanical technicians are offered at vocational–technical schools and community colleges. Vocational–technical schools include postsecondary public institutions that serve local students and emphasize teaching the skills needed by local employers. Community colleges offer programs similar to those in technical institutes, but they may include more theory-based and liberal arts coursework.
ABET accredits associate’s and higher degree programs. Most associate’s degree programs that are accredited by ABET include at least college algebra and trigonometry, as well as basic science courses.
ABET-accredited programs offer training in engineering technology specialties. In community college programs, prospective electro-mechanical technicians can concentrate in fields such as the following:
Earning an associate’s degree in electronic or mechanical technology facilitates entry into a bachelor’s degree programs in electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. For more information, see the profiles on electrical and electronics engineers and mechanical engineers.
Training in mechatronics provides an understanding of four key systems on which this occupation works: mechanical systems, electronic systems, control systems, and computer systems.
Important QualitiesDetail oriented. Electro-mechanical technicians must make and keep the precise, accurate measurements that mechanical engineers need.
Dexterity. Electro-mechanical technicians must be able to use hand tools and soldering irons on small circuitry and electronic parts to create detailed electronic components by hand.
Interpersonal skills. Electro-mechanical technicians must be able to take instruction and offer advice when needed. In addition, they often need to coordinate their work with that of others.
Logical-thinking skills. To carry out engineers’ designs, inspect designs for quality control, and assemble prototypes, electro-mechanical technicians must be able to read instructions and follow a logical sequence or a specific set of rules.
Math skills. Electro-mechanical technicians use mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.
Mechanical skills. Electro-mechanical technicians must be able to apply the theory and instructions of engineers by creating or building new components for industrial machinery or equipment. They must be adept at operating machinery, including drill presses, grinders, and engine lathes.
Writing skills. Electro-mechanical technicians must write reports that cover onsite construction, the results of testing, or problems they find when carrying out designs. Their writing must be clear and well-organized so that the engineers they work with can understand the reports.
Licenses, Certifications, and RegistrationsElectro-mechanical technicians can gain certification as a way to demonstrate professional competence.
The International Society of Automation offers certification as a Certified Control Systems Technician. This requires, at a minimum, 5 years of experience on the job, or 3 years of work experience if the technician has completed 2 years of postsecondary education.
The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) offers certification in electrical power testing, industrial instrumentation, and other specialties.
Tell us your goals and we'll match you with the right jobs to get there.
As you move along in your career, you may start taking on more responsibilities or notice that you've taken on a leadership role. Using our career map, an electrical mechanical technician can determine their career goals through the career progression. For example, they could start out with a role such as field service technician, progress to a title such as service manager and then eventually end up with the title plant manager.
Tell us your goals and we'll match you with the rights job to get there.
Use Zippia's Salary Calculator to see how your pay matches up.
Boston, MA • Private
Long Beach, CA • Public
West Lafayette, IN • Public
Pomona, CA • Public
Tallahassee, FL • Public
Mankato, MN • Public
Milwaukee, WI • Private
College Station, TX • Public
Cullowhee, NC • Public
Pittsburgh, PA • Public
The skills section on your resume can be almost as important as the experience section, so you want it to be an accurate portrayal of what you can do. Luckily, we've found all of the skills you'll need so even if you don't have these skills yet, you know what you need to work on. Out of all the resumes we looked through, 22.8% of electrical mechanical technicians listed electrical systems on their resume, but soft skills such as dexterity and writing skills are important as well.
Some places are better than others when it comes to starting a career as an electrical mechanical technician. The best states for people in this position are Alaska, New York, Hawaii, and Rhode Island. Electrical mechanical technicians make the most in Alaska with an average salary of $60,095. Whereas in New York and Hawaii, they would average $58,651 and $56,870, respectively. While electrical mechanical technicians would only make an average of $55,703 in Rhode Island, you would still make more there than in the rest of the country. We determined these as the best states based on job availability and pay. By finding the median salary, cost of living, and using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Location Quotient, we narrowed down our list of states to these four.
1. Alaska
$60,095
Avg. Salary
2. North Dakota
$50,616
Avg. Salary
3. Nevada
$52,046
Avg. Salary