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Industrial electrician vs industrial mechanic

The differences between industrial electricians and industrial mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become an industrial electrician, becoming an industrial mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an industrial electrician has an average salary of $62,533, which is higher than the $53,333 average annual salary of an industrial mechanic.

The top three skills for an industrial electrician include electrical equipment, hand tools and ac. The most important skills for an industrial mechanic are industrial maintenance, hand tools, and PLC.

Industrial electrician vs industrial mechanic overview

Industrial ElectricianIndustrial Mechanic
Yearly salary$62,533$53,333
Hourly rate$30.06$25.64
Growth rate7%14%
Number of jobs23,963158,560
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 42%Associate Degree, 35%
Average age4248
Years of experience122

What does an industrial electrician do?

An Industrial Electrician installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems in industrial facilities. They are usually part of a construction team to put in and check new equipment and systems.

What does an industrial mechanic do?

An industrial mechanic maintains and repairs equipment and any other industrial types of machinery in a factory. Industrial mechanics manage the operation of machinery like production machinery, packaging equipment, and conveying systems. They need to use protective equipment like safety glasses and hardhats as well as follow safety precautions during operations. It is their responsibility to make sure that all industrial machines function well through preventive maintenance service and troubleshooting.

Industrial electrician vs industrial mechanic salary

Industrial electricians and industrial mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

Industrial ElectricianIndustrial Mechanic
Average salary$62,533$53,333
Salary rangeBetween $47,000 And $82,000Between $39,000 And $72,000
Highest paying CitySaint Paul, MNFremont, CA
Highest paying stateVermontWest Virginia
Best paying companyThe Washington PostCalifornia Resources
Best paying industryAutomotiveTransportation

Differences between industrial electrician and industrial mechanic education

There are a few differences between an industrial electrician and an industrial mechanic in terms of educational background:

Industrial ElectricianIndustrial Mechanic
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 42%Associate Degree, 35%
Most common majorElectrical Engineering TechnologyIndustrial Technology
Most common college--

Industrial electrician vs industrial mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between industrial electricians' and industrial mechanics' demographics:

Industrial ElectricianIndustrial Mechanic
Average age4248
Gender ratioMale, 96.6% Female, 3.4%Male, 96.6% Female, 3.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 2.2% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 3.3% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage3%2%

Differences between industrial electrician and industrial mechanic duties and responsibilities

Industrial electrician example responsibilities.

  • Lead team to retrofit outdate piece of CNC machinery to allow usage for production personnel on a new design part.
  • Install electrical services ranging from 480 volts ac to 24 volts dc.
  • Include the installation of EMT and rigid conduit for branch circuits, fire alarm systems and motor control circuits.
  • Job responsibilities include running conduit wiring transformers and terminating PLC cabinets.
  • Work with voltages ranging from 24 vdc to 2300 vac.
  • Maintain both A/C and D/C main power generation systems.
  • Show more

Industrial mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Organize a procedure for rapid plumbing repairs by proactively devising a solid inventory system for effectively managing spare parts and tools.
  • Work on airport baggage conveyor systems including troubleshooting PLC problems
  • Used lathes, welding equipment, hoists and lifts.
  • Monitor comfort controls, fire safety, lighting, and HVAC equipment.
  • Have training in the Herzig arc flash electrical safety and PPE standards.
  • Correct electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, welding, and PLC problems.
  • Show more

Industrial electrician vs industrial mechanic skills

Common industrial electrician skills
  • Electrical Equipment, 8%
  • Hand Tools, 8%
  • Ac, 4%
  • Dc, 4%
  • Test Equipment, 4%
  • Industrial Maintenance, 4%
Common industrial mechanic skills
  • Industrial Maintenance, 12%
  • Hand Tools, 10%
  • PLC, 5%
  • Mechanical Equipment, 5%
  • HVAC, 3%
  • Mechanical Troubleshooting, 3%

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