Electrician (Maintenance)
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MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIANS maintain electrical systems for a variety of purposes, including climate control, security, and communications. They work for business and industry, in residences, factories, and are sometimes self-employed. Maintenance electricians spend much of their time in preventive maintenance. They may replace items such as circuit breakers, fuses, switches, electrical and electronic components, or wire. Maintenance electricians inspect equipment, and locate and correct problems before breakdowns occur. When working with complex electronic devices, they may work with engineers, engineering technicians, or industrial machinery repairers.
Salary, Size & Growth
- $53,000 average per year ($25.50 per hour)
- A large occupation (514,800 workers in 2010)
- Expected to grow moderately (1.2% per year)
Entry Requirements
Most MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIANS complete a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship program. Although many electricians are trained through apprenticeship, some learn their skills on the job. For those interested in becoming maintenance electricians, a background in electronics is increasingly important because of the growing use of complex electronic controls on manufacturing equipment. Most localities require maintenance electricians to be licensed and pass an examination that tests their knowledge of electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, and local electric and building codes.