What does an electrician/mechanic do?

Electricians are skilled tradesmen responsible for installing, repair, testing, and modifying electrical systems and components. Their duties include maintaining electrical components and systems, conducting diagnostic testings, ensuring complete repair and service documentation, and making sure that supplies have sufficient inventory. They also implement preventative maintenance, troubleshoot repair issues, and verify that work adheres to blueprints, electrical codes, and regulations. Electricians work with power tools to complete a project and maintain open communication with clients to deliver progress reports.
Electrician/mechanic responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real electrician/mechanic resumes:
- Perform HVAC maintenance on all units including chillers, scrubbers and split systems.
- Know how to troubleshoot whether it can be a mechanical issue, an electrical issue or a PLC issue.
- Utilize Allen Bradley PLC logic to monitor, troubleshoot, diagnose and repair the causes of equipment malfunctions and breakdowns.
- Power: install meters, disconnect switches, and power panels; knowledge of transformers, generators, and motors.
- Install and wire motion detector switches and electronic switches, timer switches at door entrances of offices and class rooms.
- Install maintain and troubleshoot HVAC equipment for facility not cover by service contracts and monitor service to equipment provide by contract.
- Perform electrical/mechanical maintenance and monitoring of foundry relate equipment including sand mold lines, induction furnaces, and cranes.
- Operate engine control systems, electrical generators and electric plant control equipment from local operating stations and switchboards.
Electrician/mechanic skills and personality traits
We calculated that 7% of Electrician/Mechanics are proficient in Hand Tools, PLC, and Electrical Systems. They’re also known for soft skills such as Color vision, Communication skills, and Troubleshooting skills.
We break down the percentage of Electrician/Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Hand Tools, 7%
Repair and rebuild defective mechanical parts in electric motors, generators, and related equipment, using hand tools and power tools
- PLC, 7%
Utilized Allen Bradley PLC logic to monitor, troubleshoot, diagnose and repair the causes of equipment malfunctions and breakdowns.
- Electrical Systems, 6%
Installed and repaired building electrical systems -Wired in residential and commercial buildings with proper finishes within code requirements
- Preventive Maintenance, 5%
Performed preventive maintenance, repaired breakdowns, and malfunctioning HVAC systems utilizing various measuring and testing instruments.
- Electrical Conduit, 5%
Installed electrical conduit lighting and electrical devices.
- Electrical Equipment, 5%
Perform monthly inspection of electrical equipment and control circuits.
"hand tools," "plc," and "electrical systems" are among the most common skills that electrician/mechanics use at work. You can find even more electrician/mechanic responsibilities below, including:
Color vision. One of the key soft skills for an electrician/mechanic to have is color vision. You can see how this relates to what electrician/mechanics do because "electricians must identify electrical wires by color." Additionally, an electrician/mechanic resume shows how electrician/mechanics use color vision: "skilled in wire installation, conduits, switches overhead lamps with little supervision in various compartments throughout the ship. "
Troubleshooting skills. electrician/mechanics are also known for troubleshooting skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to electrician/mechanic responsibilities, because "electricians find, diagnose, and repair problems." An electrician/mechanic resume example shows how troubleshooting skills is used in the workplace: "performed comprehensive testing and troubleshooting for assembly and hook up of electrical components and complete electrical systems ensuring adherence to specification. "
Physical strength. For certain electrician/mechanic responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "physical strength." The day-to-day duties of an electrician/mechanic rely on this skill, as "electricians need to be strong enough to move heavy components, which may weigh up to 50 pounds." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what electrician/mechanics do: "maintain positive productivity and safety perform tasks involving physical labor pulled wire, install light fixtures, install receptacles, etc. "
Customer-service skills. Another crucial skill for an electrician/mechanic to carry out their responsibilities is "customer-service skills." A big part of what electrician/mechanics relies on this skill, since "electricians work with people on a regular basis." How this skill relates to electrician/mechanic duties can be seen in an example from an electrician/mechanic resume snippet: "perform mechanical duties, building maintenance, read prints/schematics, program, and change parameters in accordance with customer specifications. "
The three companies that hire the most electrician/mechanics are:
- International Paper8 electrician/mechanics jobs
- Columbia University in the City of New York4 electrician/mechanics jobs
- Marvin and4 electrician/mechanics jobs
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Electrician/mechanic vs. Journeyman ironworker
An apprentice is responsible for learning specialized tasks on their chosen field through actual job training under the supervision of tenured staff. An apprentice's duties include performing administrative tasks as needed, creating observation reports of daily operations, providing possible recommendations on improving productivity, and adhering to the business' safety standards and regulatory procedures. An apprentice must be detail-oriented, fast-learner, and enthusiastic. An apprentice should also know how to accept constructive criticisms and feedback to improve performance and skill development.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between electrician/mechanics and journeyman ironworker. For instance, electrician/mechanic responsibilities require skills such as "hand tools," "plc," "electrical systems," and "preventive maintenance." Whereas a journeyman ironworker is skilled in "cranes," "bars," "rebar," and "steel beams." This is part of what separates the two careers.
The education levels that journeyman ironworkers earn slightly differ from electrician/mechanics. In particular, journeyman ironworkers are 1.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an electrician/mechanic. Additionally, they're 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Electrician/mechanic vs. Apprentice
A commercial electrician is different from an industrial electrician since both perform in different environments and have distinct training. Commercial electricians are responsible for ensuring that the electrical components and wiring of the structure are working safely and efficiently. They commonly work on basic electrical installations and repairs of particular equipment. On the other hand, industrial electricians have more specialized and extensive education. Their duties require them to have an in-depth knowledge of their field since accuracy is very crucial in their line of work. They may operate issues relating to extraordinary high voltage systems and micro-control currents of electricity.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real electrician/mechanic resumes. While electrician/mechanic responsibilities can utilize skills like "hand tools," "preventive maintenance," "electrical conduit," and "control systems," apprentices use skills like "pet," "customer service," "basic math," and "apprenticeship."
Apprentices may earn a lower salary than electrician/mechanics, but apprentices earn the most pay in the transportation industry with an average salary of $44,876. On the other hand, electrician/mechanics receive higher pay in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $62,137.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Apprentices tend to reach similar levels of education than electrician/mechanics. In fact, they're 0.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Electrician/mechanic vs. Commercial and industrial electrician
A maintenance electrician is responsible for monitoring the electrical systems of a building, inspecting the wiring and cables for any malfunctions, and perform preventive maintenance as needed to ensure its safety and efficiency. Maintenance electricians upgrade electrical network systems for optimal performance and replacing faulty wiring, as well as installing new equipment in the building as the management advises. They also analyze schematics and blueprints for electrical line placements and running diagnostic tests to identify possible defects for immediate resolution. A maintenance electrician must have excellent knowledge of the electrical industry, especially on recording maintenance reports and solutions.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from electrician/mechanic resumes include skills like "preventive maintenance," "mechanical equipment," "plumbing," and "motor control," whereas a commercial and industrial electrician is more likely to list skills in "ladders," "run conduit," "work ethic," and "osha. "
Commercial and industrial electricians make a very good living in the construction industry with an average annual salary of $48,295. On the other hand, electrician/mechanics are paid the highest salary in the manufacturing industry, with average annual pay of $62,137.Most commercial and industrial electricians achieve a similar degree level compared to electrician/mechanics. For example, they're 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Electrician/mechanic vs. Maintenance electrician
Types of electrician/mechanic
Updated January 8, 2025











